Hong Kong police have confirmed that 168 people died in a massive fire at an apartment complex in November, concluding the identification process. The final death toll is seven higher than previously announced.
Police said on Thursday that forensic examinations of all remains recovered from the site in Tai Po district had been completed. Security secretary Chris Tang stated, “All remains and bodies from the incident have been identified with nobody unaccounted for.”
The victims ranged in age from six months to 98 years, including one firefighter, five construction workers, two interior decorators, and ten foreign domestic helpers. Fifty-eight victims were male and 110 female. Authorities will not release identities at this stage, citing the wishes of bereaved families.
The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a complex built in the 1980s housing around 4,600 residents, with nearly 40 per cent aged 65 or above. Thousands of firefighters battled the blaze for over a day; one firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, died during the operation.
Investigations into the cause are ongoing. Officials previously said a protective mesh installed during renovation work did not meet fire safety standards, and fire alarms were reportedly faulty. Hong Kong leader John Lee said more than 30 people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, fraud, and corruption. An independent committee has been formed to investigate the tragedy and tighten supervision.
