Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 168 after more remains are identified

HONG KONG — The death toll from a fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 168 from 161, officials said Thursday, after the remains of more victims were identified seven weeks after the Chinese territory’s worst blaze in decades.

The Nov. 26 fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 110 women and 58 men ages 6 months to 98 years old, Hong Kong police said in a statement Thursday night. Four people were declared dead after they were taken to the hospital, while the remains of the 164 others were recovered at the scene.

All sets of remains have been identified and all families have been notified, and there are no more missing persons unaccounted for, police said.

Few of the victims have been publicly named. They include Ho Wai-ho, 37, a firefighter, and 10 foreign domestic workers — nine from Indonesia and one from the Philippines — who were identified by their governments.

Officials said two interior decorators and five construction workers were also among those killed in the Wang Fuk Court fire. Located in the suburban district of Tai Po, the high-rise housing estate, which had about 4,600 residents, was under a large-scale renovation when the afternoon fire broke out, leaving seven of its eight towers in flames.

The disaster has raised questions about bid-rigging and corruption, as well as negligence by government officials, who have cited substandard mesh netting, polystyrene boards that were sealed to the windows and fire alarm failures as major factors in the fire’s start and rapid spread.

On Wednesday, at the first meeting of Hong Kong’s newly elected legislature, officials proposed increasing supervision of building maintenance projects and strengthening fire safety measures.

“We will fairly pursue accountability and take disciplinary action based on facts against anyone who should bear responsibility, regardless of whether they are from within or outside the government or whether they are junior or senior staff,” said John Lee, Hong Kong’s top leader.

Officials also suggested banning smoking on construction sites.

Local media reported this week that the full list of victims would be made public, citing family members who said Hong Kong police had contacted them.

Police said Thursday that the fire remained under investigation and that a report would be submitted to the coroner, who would then decide whether to open a death inquest. In the event of an inquest, police would share details of the victims’ identities with the court that is hearing it, they said.

“Respecting the wishes of the grieving relatives, the Police will not disclose the deceased’s particulars at this stage,” they said.