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Hong Kong Residential Fire Death Toll Rises to 146 as Probe Widens

Authorities are pursuing a corruption inquiry into renovation work at Wang Fuk Court that allegedly used combustible scaffolding and insulation.

Overview

  • Police confirmed 146 fatalities from the November 26 blaze at Wang Fuk Court, with identification continuing and roughly 200 residents initially listed as unaccounted for.
  • ICAC reported eight arrests linked to the project, including directors at Will Power Architects and subcontractor figures, after searches of 13 locations and seizure of documents and bank records.
  • Survivors described failed fire alarms, foam-covered windows, and exits obstructed by collapsing bamboo scaffolding, while officials acknowledged the use of flammable insulation during façade works.
  • The government declared mourning through December 1 with flags at half-mast and a citywide silence held, and it set HK$200,000 in compensation per bereaved family as relief funds topped about HK$800 million.
  • City teams began dismantling scaffolding and testing safety nets across renovation sites, inspecting 127 buildings so far, as rescue crews recovered more than 90 pets and coordinated further animal aid with the SPCA.