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HONG KONG authorities have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter as investigations continue into the city’s deadliest fire in decades, which has claimed at least 151 lives and left over 40 people unaccounted for.
The blaze, which erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate on Wednesday, engulfed seven tower blocks undergoing renovations and caused widespread devastation.
Reuters, on Monday, cited Police officials describing the ongoing search of the seven towers as harrowing, with bodies discovered in stairwells and on rooftops where residents were trapped while attempting to escape.
“Some of the bodies have turned into ash, therefore we might not be able to locate all missing individuals,” said police officer Tsung Shuk Yin, visibly emotional during a press briefing on Monday.
Investigators have identified substandard materials as a key factor in the rapid spread of the fire. Tests revealed that a green mesh covering bamboo scaffolding did not meet fire retardant standards.
“Contractors working on the renovations used these substandard materials in hard-to-reach areas, effectively hiding them from inspectors,” Chief Secretary Eric Chan said.
Foam insulation used in the buildings also fuelled the flames, while fire alarms were reported to have malfunctioned.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief, with thousands gathering to mourn the victims, including at least nine Indonesian and one Filipino domestic helper. Lines of mourners extended over a kilometre along a canal near the estate. Vigils are also planned in Tokyo, London, and Taipei.
The fire has left thousands of residents displaced. More than 1,100 individuals have been moved from evacuation centres to temporary housing, while 680 others are being accommodated in youth hostels and hotels.
Authorities are providing emergency funds of HK$10,000 (US$1,284) per household and assisting residents in replacing essential documents, including identity cards, passports, and marriage certificates.
The disaster marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when a warehouse blaze killed 176 people.
Authorities have come under scrutiny for previously downplaying fire risks at Wang Fuk Court, despite residents’ warnings last year about hazards posed by renovation materials, including the flammability of scaffolding mesh.
In the midst of the public outcry, authorities have also moved against calls for an independent investigation into construction oversight.
Police detained Miles Kwan, 24, part of a group petitioning for an inquiry, and two other individuals were reportedly arrested on suspicion of seditious intent.
China’s national security office issued a stern warning against using the disaster to incite unrest, stating that those attempting to “disrupt Hong Kong through disaster” would face strict punishment.
The search for remains is ongoing, with officials warning that the most heavily damaged buildings will present significant challenges and that recovery efforts may take weeks.
Images shared by authorities show police officers in hazmat suits navigating blackened apartments and debris-strewn stairwells as they continue their grim work.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court, which housed more than 4,000 residents, has left entire communities reeling. Authorities, while continuing to investigate the causes and identify missing persons, have pledged to provide immediate support to those affected, even as political tensions complicate the public response. - December 1, 2025