By Ayomide Otitoju
The death toll from a devastating fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court has risen to 146, authorities confirmed on Sunday, marking the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.
Police officers from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit recovered additional bodies as their search extended to three more high-rises within the estate. “As of 4:00 PM (0800 GMT), the latest death toll stands at 146. We cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities,” said Chief Superintendent Tsang Shuk-yin of the police’s casualty enquiry unit during a news briefing.
Thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the housing complex in the northern Tai Po district to pay respects, with queues forming across the area, an AFP reporter observed.
Authorities have launched an interdepartmental investigation task force to determine the cause of the blaze. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has arrested 11 people in connection with the fire, including three also charged by police with manslaughter.
The Indonesian consulate reported that at least seven Indonesian nationals died in the incident, while the Philippine consulate confirmed one overseas worker among the victims.
In response, the city’s Buildings Department has ordered a temporary suspension of work on 30 private construction projects across Hong Kong.
