Officials said searches of all seven affected towers are complete. The fire burned for about 40 hours.
Investigators reported that the blaze spread rapidly because bamboo scaffolding around the buildings was wrapped in substandard mesh netting and because polystyrene boards had been sealed to windows. Residents said fire alarms did not activate. Wang Fuk Court housed about 4,600 people. Victims ranged in age from 1 to 97, reports NBC.
The Hong Kong government said it will remove mesh netting from 200 buildings by Saturday as part of emergency inspections. The Labor Department disclosed it had conducted 16 inspections at the estate since July 2024. It issued six notices and started three prosecutions related to renovation safety. Its most recent inspection was on Nov. 20.
Fifteen people from construction companies have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Six individuals from a fire service installation contractor were arrested on suspicion of fraud. The city’s anti-corruption agency is conducting a separate investigation. Police confirmed that arrests related to national security concerns have also occurred, including a former district councilor and a university student who had criticized the government’s response or called for an independent inquiry.
Chinese national security authorities issued two public warnings this week. They stated that “external hostile forces” were using the fire to “recreate the chaos” of 2019 under the pretext of public petitions. “Those who oppose China and disrupt Hong Kong will be punished even if they are far away,” the statement said. The Hong Kong government released its own warning against what it called “anti-China and destabilizing forces.”
Chief Executive John Lee said a judge-led committee will investigate issues involving corruption, bid-rigging, and building maintenance procedures, as well as the installation and operation of fire safety systems. He said findings will be made public and that “those responsible will be held accountable regardless of who he or she is.”
Residents from the one tower not affected by flames were allowed short visits to collect belongings. A three-day official mourning period ended Monday.
Legislative elections scheduled for this Sunday will continue as planned. This is the second election since Hong Kong reduced the number of directly elected seats and required national security vetting for candidates.
