HONG KONG: The death toll from Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades rose to 159 after all affected housing blocks have been searched, police said Wednesday (Dec 3), cautioning that the figure may not be final.
The blaze last week engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the city’s northern Tai Po district, becoming the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.
Police said the number of dead may still be revised as officers had found “suspected human bones” that require forensic testing.
Mourners continued to stream to a small park near the charred buildings on Wednesday, placing hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims – the youngest of whom was a one-year-old baby, and the oldest was 97.
“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said visitor Sarah Lam, adding that the victims suffered “many injustices”.
“I hope the truth is uncovered swiftly … so they don’t need to depart this world bearing such undeserved grievances,” she said.
Sections of the park were decorated with lines of colourful origami cranes, and volunteers handed out paper and pens.
Forrest Li, 26, described the location as a “bridge”, allowing “communication and the expression of grief through this unspoken connection” with the deceased.
NETTING DITCHED
Residents of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to return home briefly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.
Authorities earlier said the blaze on the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
Flames quickly covered the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped with bamboo scaffolding, protective netting and foam boards.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday.
Source: CNA
