Overview
- Hong Kong police report 160 dead and caution the figure could be revised as examinations continue to distinguish human from animal remains.
- Authorities have identified 120 victims, with the identities of 40 others pending DNA analysis, according to South China Morning Post.
- Early findings point to bamboo scaffolding and protective facade nets as key pathways for the rapid spread, prompting citywide removal of nets and calls for tighter site rules, including no-smoking measures.
- Government and civil society have deployed large-scale relief, including emergency payments, temporary housing for thousands, and a public support fund totaling roughly HK$3.3 billion.
- SPCA Hong Kong is tracking 84 missing pets from the complex, while separate fires were reported in Guangdong with 12 dead and in Russia where incidents were contained or localized without reported injuries.