Hong Kong police arrest 13 for manslaughter over a deadly fire that killed 151, with the toll expected to rise further as searches continue
HONG KONG: Authorities have made 13 arrests over Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades after the blaze killed 151 people last week.
The death toll could rise further as police continue to search the gutted high-rise apartment complex.
The arrests were made on suspicion of manslaughter as investigators piece together the cause of the catastrophic fire.
Officials are examining factors including the use of styrofoam panels and bamboo scaffolding in a renovation project.
Police representative Tsang Shuk-yin confirmed the updated death toll of 151 on Monday afternoon.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of this number increasing further,” Tsang said.
The blaze at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district is the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.
Police have completed searches in five of the estate’s eight high-rise blocks.
Tsang noted that “some remains have already been reduced to ashes” and some missing persons may not be recovered.
Remains have been found inside apartments, in hallways, and on staircases.
Thirteen people, 12 men and one woman aged between 40 and 77, have been arrested for manslaughter.
Separately, local media reported three arrests for sedition, including student Miles Kwan.
Kwan had distributed flyers demanding government accountability over the fire.
Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang said there had been “inaccurate comments online” threatening national security.
“Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” Tang said.
Officials also announced some exterior netting on the scaffolding did not meet fire-resistance standards.
Seven of 20 samples collected from four buildings failed fire-resistance tests, said chief secretary Eric Chan.
The city has seen an outpouring of grief with thousands paying respects over a three-day mourning period. – AFP
