Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 159

Authorities said six individuals had been arrested over a suspected malfunction of a fire alarm system at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Hong Kong, where the death toll from last week’s blaze has risen to 159, including a firefighter.

Seventy-nine people were reported injured in the disaster, among them 12 firefighters, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media.

Officials said roughly 30 residents remain unaccounted for as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Donations and emergency contributions raised for response and relief have reached HK$2.3 billion (US $294 million).

The blaze erupted on November 26, with flames first spotted at Wang Cheong House before rapidly spreading to six other high-rise blocks. The complex’s eight residential towers had been undergoing renovation since July 2024 and were surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and green protective netting at the time of the fire.

Authorities said highly flammable styrofoam materials and substandard mesh used on the scaffolding are believed to have significantly accelerated the spread of the flames. The Hong Kong government has announced the formation of a judge-led independent review committee to investigate the cause of the disaster and determine whether safety standards were breached.

Wang Chi House was the only block not reached by the flames. On December 3-4, residents of the building will be permitted to return briefly to collect essential belongings. Each household will be allowed two people to enter their flat for a 90-minute period between 9 am and 9 pm.

Items being retrieved include medications, warm clothing, personal documents and household appliances. Officials have not yet confirmed when residents will be able to permanently return, citing ongoing structural inspections and forensic investigations.

Hotlines have been activated for those seeking information or support. A police casualty inquiry line, a mental health support service operated by the Health Bureau, and a dedicated help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital have been set up to assist the public.

By Aghakazim Guliyev