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Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Reaches 151 as Police Detain 13 in Expanding Probe

New tests found several scaffolding mesh samples failed fire-resistance standards, sharpening investigators’ focus on materials that accelerated the blaze.

Overview

  • Police said 12 men and one woman have been detained on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and related offenses linked to renovation work at Wang Fuk Court.
  • Officials reported the toll rose to 151 and warned it could still increase as forensic teams continue methodical searches and identifications in the burned towers.
  • Security chief Chris Tang said samples taken from multiple buildings showed several pieces of external mesh did not meet fire-resistance requirements after onsite access improved post-fire.
  • Authorities previously ordered a temporary halt and safety audits at 28 projects run by Prestige Construction & Engineering, the contractor tied to the renovation.
  • Public mourning drew thousands over the weekend, while police confirmed arrests on sedition allegations connected to calls for accountability and Beijing cautioned against unrest.