The death toll from Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades has risen to 160, with six people still missing as police continue their investigation into the tragedy.
HONG KONG: The death toll from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has risen to 160, police confirmed on Tuesday.
Six people remain unaccounted for following the blaze that tore through a high-rise apartment complex late last month.
The toll increased by one after forensic testing revealed a set of remains already counted included a second person.
Police commissioner Joe Chow said officers have finished clearing fallen scaffolding and found one piece of “suspected human bone” pending tests.
The identities of 120 victims have been confirmed through DNA or fingerprint testing.
Authorities earlier said the fire at the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely worsened by protective netting on its scaffolding that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
Flames quickly climbed the apartment blocks wrapped with bamboo scaffolding.
The netting and foam boards attached to windows during the work contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, according to investigators.
Police will now begin removing the remaining scaffolding and netting from the buildings while checking for any further bodies.
Tsang Shuk-yin, the officer in charge of the police casualty enquiry unit, said three of the six missing people are believed to have lived at the Wang Fuk Court complex.
Hong Kong leader John Lee announced a judge-led independent committee last week to investigate the fire.
Police have arrested 15 people from various construction companies for manslaughter, and another six in connection with fire alarms that failed to sound during the blaze.
