Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Reaches 160: World's Deadliest Residential Blaze Since 1980

China:

The death toll in Hong Kong's most devastating fire in decades has increased to 160 after forensic testing identified an additional body, police officials announced on Tuesday. Currently, six individuals remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of this tragedy.

This catastrophic fire, which devastated a high-rise apartment complex late last month, now stands as the most lethal residential building fire worldwide since 1980.

Authorities had previously reported 159 fatalities after completing searches throughout all affected buildings.

According to Police Commissioner Joe Chow, the updated count came after forensic analysis revealed that one set of remains actually contained two people, resulting in the increased death toll announced Tuesday.

Chow further stated that officers have completed the removal of collapsed scaffolding surrounding the towers and discovered one piece of "suspected human bone" that is currently undergoing laboratory testing.

Through DNA analysis and fingerprint testing, authorities have successfully identified 120 of the 160 deceased victims.

Officials previously indicated that the fire at the estate, which was undergoing significant renovation work, was likely exacerbated by protective netting on the scaffolding that failed to meet fire-resistance standards.

The flames rapidly ascended the apartment blocks, which were encased in bamboo scaffolding.

Authorities stated that both the netting and foam boards attached to windows during the renovation contributed significantly to the fire's rapid spread.

Chow announced that police will now begin removing the remaining scaffolding and netting still attached to the buildings, while continuing to search for any additional victims.

Tsang Shuk-yin, who heads the police casualty enquiry unit, confirmed that six reported missing persons remain unaccounted for.

She added that police have reasonable certainty that three of these missing individuals were residents of the Wang Fuk Court complex.

Last week, Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced the formation of a judge-led "independent committee" to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Police have arrested 15 individuals from various construction companies on manslaughter charges, as well as six additional people in connection with fire alarm systems that failed to activate during the emergency.