Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: 159 Dead, Including Infant; Alarms Deactivated, 6 Arrested in Negligence Probe

Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze Claims 159 Lives, Including Infant; Alarms Deactivated Amidst Renovation Probe

A devastating high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has tragically claimed at least 159 lives, with victims ranging from a 1-year-old infant to a 97-year-old resident. The inferno, which ignited on November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate, raged for days before being finally extinguished last Friday. Authorities continue their urgent search efforts, as approximately 30 individuals remain unaccounted for.

Arrests Made Amidst Negligence Allegations

The tragic event has triggered a large-scale investigation into potential corruption and negligence related to a monthslong renovation project at the housing complex. So far, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. On Wednesday, police specifically announced the arrest of six individuals suspected of deliberately deactivating fire alarms during the renovation work and making false representations to the fire services department.

Residents had previously reported alarming instances where some fire alarms within the buildings failed to sound during the initial stages of the blaze, though the extent of this issue across the complex is still being determined.

Search Operations Continue for Missing

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow assured the public that search operations are far from over. Teams are meticulously sifting through piles of fallen bamboo scaffolding, which had covered the buildings during the renovation, to ensure no remains or bodies are overlooked. The extensive renovation project involved covering the high-rises with bamboo scaffolding and green netting. Authorities believe that these materials, along with foam boards installed on windows, significantly contributed to the fire's rapid and devastating spread.

Victims Identified and Investigation Ongoing

Among the victims are a dedicated firefighter and ten migrant domestic helpers, including nine from Indonesia and one from the Philippines, highlighting the diverse community impacted by the disaster. Efforts to identify 19 of the 159 deceased are still ongoing. The initial cause of this catastrophic fire remains under active and thorough investigation by authorities.