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2mo ago

Hong Kong Tower Fire Toll Rises to 151 as Police Make 13 Arrests

Investigators say parts of the renovation safety nets failed fire-resistance standards, intensifying pressure for stricter building safeguards.

Des policiers portant un équipement de protection individuelle marchent à côté des bâtiments du complexe résidentiel Wang Fuk Court après l’incendie mortel, à Tai Po, Hong Kong, Chine, le 1er décembre 2025.
Les bâtiments incendiés du Wang Fuk Court, complexe résidentiel situé dans le district de Tai Po, dans les Nouveaux Territoires de Hongkong, le vendredi 28 novembre.
Des policiers de l’unité d’identification des victimes de catastrophes, vêtus de combinaisons intégrales de protection blanches, transportent des sacs devant le complexe résidentiel de Wang Fuk Court à Hong Kong la suite de l’incendie meurtrier survenu trois jours auparavant
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Overview

  • The confirmed death count stands at 151, and police said the total could still rise as recovery continues.
  • Police said a manslaughter investigation has resulted in 13 arrests linked to the renovation and scaffolding work at Wang Fuk Court.
  • Sampling across four buildings found safety nets at seven locations did not meet fire-resistance requirements, according to investigators.
  • Fire services confirmed the building alarms did not activate as the blaze, likely starting in lower protective netting, spread rapidly via plastic sheeting, foam panels and bamboo scaffolding.
  • China launched an inspection and rectification campaign targeting high-rise fire risks, and Hong Kong’s leadership is considering requiring metal scaffolding on worksites.