US EditionHong Kong Orders Removal of Scaffolding Mesh After Deadly Blaze
Six suspects face charges for allegedly deactivating fire alarms during renovations that involved flammable materials, contributing to the death of 159 people, including 10 migrant domestic helpers.
- On December 3, 2025, Hong Kong ordered removal of all external scaffolding nets from ongoing renovations after a deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po district, New Territories.
- Investigators found substandard plastic nylon netting and foam boards installed on windows that aided the fire's rapid spread, and officials said those materials must be tested before reuse.
- Police confirmed an interim death toll of 159 and said Joe Chow, Commissioner of Police, reported `We have found 159 bodies, of whom 140 were identified on a preliminary basis,` after completing searches of seven of eight high-rise towers.
- Authorities arrested 15 people Tuesday as Hong Kong Police and the city's anti-corruption body probe corruption and negligence linked to renovation work, while Tang said police are investigating the Binzhou Inspection and Testing Center.
- Families and residents of Wang Fuk Court include victims: at least 91 women, 41 men, 19 bodies still unidentified, about 30 reported missing, and ten migrant helpers among those dead.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Hong Kong races to remove scaffolding nets
A worker removes scaffolding mesh from a building at Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters Hong Kong authorities have rushed to remove all mesh netting on buildings undergoing renovation across the city, after the materials were blamed for fanning a blaze last week that has killed at least 159 people.
Hong Kong Fire Remembrance Sets Poignant Tone at Hainan Film Festival Launch
Amidst the pomp and spectacle of the opening ceremony of the Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF), a quiet remembrance stole the show. Xing Bo, VP of China Media Group, remembered the victims of the recent Tai Po apartment complex fire in Hong Kong, which has claimed some 159 victims thus far, with some 30 people still missing. “Distinguished guests and friends, as the moon hangs low in the sky, we feel a profound sorrow for the…
Death toll in Hong Kong residential complex fire rises to 159
The death toll from last week’s fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 159 after authorities located additional bodies during final search operations, according to police. The update was announced on Wednesday after search teams finished examining all seven residential blocks in the Wang Fuk Court complex in the New Territories district. Police said three more bodies were recovered as officers carried out the last phase of unit-…
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