US EditionHong Kong orders judge-led probe into fire that killed 156
The probe targets substandard renovation materials and oversight failures after a fire killed 151 and left 30 missing in a Tai Po housing complex, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Hong Kong police said the death toll at Wang Fuk Court rose to 159 as six people were arrested on suspicion of deactivating fire alarms during renovations.
- During a monthslong renovation at Wang Fuk Court, bamboo scaffolding and green netting covered the buildings, and authorities said substandard netting and foam boards aided the fire's rapid spread earlier this week.
- Authorities said nineteen unidentified bodies remain and about 30 people were still reported missing after searches of seven of eight high-rise residential towers.
- Police and the city's anti-corruption body said Tuesday that they arrested 15 people as they probe corruption and negligence tied to the renovation work and completed searches of all seven of eight high-rise towers.
- Residents reported that some fire alarms failed to sound when the blaze began last Wednesday, which took until Friday to be extinguished, highlighting safety concerns amid the renovation.
217 Articles
217 Articles
Death Toll In Hong Kong Fire Reaches 159; 1-Year-Old Among The Deceased
The death toll in the Hong Kong apartment fire has jumped to 159. Among the victims are a 1-year-old baby and a 97-year-old person. Police have arrested 21 suspects for manslaughter in a probe into the cause of the fire.
A total of 140 bodies have been identified, 91 women and 49 men - The youngest victim was just one year old and the oldest was 97 years old.
The record of the deadliest fire in Hong Kong now stands at 159 deaths after all affected buildings were inspected.
This is a "temporary check-up" at the end of the search in the buildings, which can be revised, stressed the police, as the officers found "suspicious human bones" to be subjected to forensic analysis.
The Hong Kong executive has announced that a committee will investigate the causes of the fire at a residential complex that killed at least 156 people.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
