Death Toll from Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Rises to 160 as Search Continues

The number of fatalities resulting from the recent high-rise fire disaster in Hong Kong has increased to 160, according to official statements. Authorities updated the casualty count after completing a thorough search of all the affected buildings. During the identification process, it was confirmed that remains previously attributed to another victim belonged to an additional individual, raising the total number of confirmed deaths.

Six individuals are still reported missing, and the search efforts are ongoing. Police have announced plans to remove scaffolding and safety nets surrounding the damaged residential towers to investigate further and search for possible additional remains. These bamboo scaffolds and protective nets, which reportedly did not meet safety standards, played a significant role in the rapid spread of the fire during ongoing renovation work.

The blaze erupted in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, situated in the northern district of Tai Po. The fire lasted for more than 40 hours, severely damaging seven out of eight high-rise blocks in the development, which comprises nearly 2,000 residential units. The incident has left the local community in shock as authorities continue to address the aftermath.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the inadequate safety measures around the buildings contributed to the swift progression of the fire. The ongoing renovation activities, combined with non-compliant bamboo scaffolding and insufficient safety netting, created conditions that allowed the flames to move quickly between floors and blocks.

In response to the disaster, law enforcement agencies have detained 15 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. Six additional people have been taken into custody in connection with the failure of the building's fire alarm system, which did not activate during the incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact causes and circumstances that led to the tragedy.

The government has launched an independent inquiry to thoroughly examine the incident and identify any lapses in building safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and regulatory enforcement. The investigation will also review the roles and responsibilities of contractors, building management, and oversight bodies in ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Officials have assured the public that lessons learned from the disaster will be used to improve fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in high-rise residential buildings across Hong Kong. The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of construction practices, safety enforcement, and the adequacy of fire detection and alarm systems in densely populated urban areas.

Support services have been mobilized to assist affected families and residents. Counseling and temporary accommodation are being provided to those who lost their homes or loved ones in the fire. Community organizations are working alongside government agencies to address the immediate and long-term needs of survivors.

The incident has reignited discussions about fire safety and regulatory compliance in Hong Kong's residential sector. As the investigation continues, authorities have emphasized their commitment to holding accountable any parties found to have contributed to the disaster through negligence or regulatory violations.