Hong Kong authorities have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter following the city’s deadliest fire in decades, which has claimed at least 146 lives and left around 40 residents unaccounted for.
The blaze tore through seven towers at the Wang Fuk Court estate on Wednesday. Police said sweeps of four buildings revealed bodies in stairwells and rooftops, where residents were trapped while attempting to escape.
Investigators pointed to substandard renovation materials as a key factor in the disaster. Tests on green mesh wrapped around bamboo scaffolding failed to meet fire-retardant standards, while foam insulation used by contractors helped fuel the flames. Fire alarms at the complex were also not functioning properly, officials said. Chief Secretary Eric Chan accused contractors of concealing unsafe materials in hard-to-reach areas to evade inspection.
Thousands of mourners have lined a canal near the estate to pay tribute to the victims, including at least nine Indonesian domestic helpers and one from the Philippines. Vigils are planned this week in Tokyo, London, and Taipei.
Police said the search now moves to the worst-affected buildings, which may take weeks to comb through. Images released by authorities showed officers in hazmat suits and helmets inspecting charred apartments and wading through water used to extinguish the flames.
The estate housed more than 4,000 people, census data shows. Over 1,100 survivors have been moved from evacuation centres into temporary housing, while another 680 are being accommodated in youth hostels and hotels. Authorities have pledged emergency funds of HK$10,000 ($1,284) per household and expedited services for new identity cards, passports, and marriage certificates.
