Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Rises Amid Investigation

The death toll from the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in northern Hong Kong has risen to 159, making it the city's deadliest disaster in 75 years, according to The Guardian US. The blaze, which broke out last week, has claimed lives of residents ranging in age from one year to 97 years old.

Authorities are reporting that about 30 individuals remain missing and that some human remains have been discovered in various apartments, which will require DNA testing for identification. Rescue operations took more than 40 hours to extinguish the flames, and police have arrested at least 15 people, including construction company directors, on suspicion of manslaughter, as investigations into negligence and corruption continue.

Six additional arrests were made over allegations of deactivating fire alarms during renovation work, which the police stated contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, as reported by the Seattle Times.

The buildings, which housed nearly 5,000 residents, were undergoing major renovations that involved the use of substandard, flammable materials. The Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn, has mandated that all buildings undergoing similar maintenance remove their scaffolding netting by Saturday, affecting about 200 structures across Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the government has faced criticism for its handling of the aftermath, with calls for a more robust inquiry into the incident. Initial investigations indicate that the scaffolding and protective materials, including foam boards and nylon netting, significantly exacerbated the fire's intensity.

In response to the disaster, Hong Kong officials have cautioned against external forces allegedly attempting to exploit the tragedy for political gain. They have arrested at least three individuals under national security laws, reflecting ongoing tensions in the city following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

The local government has also launched a judge-led independent review committee, rather than a statutory inquiry commission, raising concerns among some lawmakers about the depth of the investigation. The focus on political narratives rather than solely on public safety has sparked further unrest among residents, as they mourn the victims and demand accountability.

Memorials have sprung up near the site, with community members paying tribute to those lost, emphasizing their grief and the injustices suffered. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about fire safety regulations and the adequacy of emergency responses in urban Hong Kong, a city now facing scrutiny over how it manages safety in densely populated residential areas.