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The death toll from a devastating fire that swept through a Hong Kong residential estate last week has risen to 151, police reported on Monday. Authorities have indicated that the number could increase further as investigations continue.
Speaking at a press conference, police spokeswoman Tsang Shuk-yin said, “As of 4 p.m. today, the confirmed death toll stands at 151. We cannot rule out the possibility of this number rising further.” The fire engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in the Wang Fuk Court complex, marking one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fires in decades.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan revealed that scaffolding netting used on the exterior of the buildings did not meet fire-resistance standards. “Samples collected from seven locations across high, middle, and low floors in four buildings did not meet the fire-resistance test standards,” Chan said, highlighting a potential factor in the rapid spread of the fire.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, stated that the government had taken “law enforcement measures” in response to online commentary surrounding the tragedy, which officials deemed a threat to national security.
“There have been inaccurate comments online with the sole purpose of threatening national security,” Tang said, emphasizing that operational details could not be disclosed due to security concerns.
Authorities have launched multiple investigations, and several individuals, including construction managers, have been detained in connection with the fire. Officials emphasized that accountability measures are ongoing and that operational and legal proceedings remain active.
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