The fire at Wang Fook Court is considered the world's worst residential fire since 1980. More bodies have been found after the police's disaster identification unit expanded the search area.
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
The death toll from a fire that broke out at a large housing estate in Hong Kong this week has risen to 146, police confirmed on Sunday.
The fire at Wang Fook Court is considered the world's worst residential fire since 1980. More bodies have been found after the police's disaster identification unit expanded its search area.
Senior Superintendent of Police Sang Su-yin told reporters, "So far, 146 people have been confirmed dead. There is a possibility that more bodies may be found."
More than 1,000 people had gathered at the housing estate in Tai Po on Sunday to pay their respects. Long lines of people were seen peacefully paying their respects. The government has set up a multi-departmental investigation committee to investigate the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency has arrested 11 people in connection with the incident. Three of them have also been arrested by the police on murder charges.
According to the Indonesian Embassy in Hong Kong, seven Indonesian citizens have died.
The Philippine Embassy confirmed the death of a Filipino worker.
In addition, Hong Kong's Building Department has decided to temporarily halt construction work on 30 private buildings to ensure technical safety.
