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Hong Kong Estate Fire Toll Reaches 160 With Six Still Unaccounted

UN rights chief questions use of security laws against calls for an independent inquiry.

Overview

  • Police said DNA testing showed one previously recovered set of remains belonged to two people, raising the toll to 160 with six still missing.
  • Officers are removing remaining scaffolding and netting to look for bodies after finding a suspected human bone that is pending laboratory verification.
  • Authorities say bamboo scaffolding wrapped in substandard mesh, foam boards on windows, and failed alarms accelerated the blaze through the towers.
  • Fifteen construction personnel were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and six from a fire service contractor on alleged fraud, as a judge-led panel prepares to review oversight and fire-safety systems.
  • Beijing warned of “hostile forces” exploiting the tragedy and the UN criticized security-law actions against petitioners, while a separate Guangdong fire killed 12 and spurred wider inspections.