The death toll from the November 26 fire at the 31-story Wang Fuk Court skyscraper in Hong Kong has climbed to 151. Police Chief Tsang Shuk-yin said 40 people remain missing and 13 suspects have been detained for “manslaughter,” noting some victims were reduced to ashes and may never be identified.
Officials said contractors used substandard materials and foam insulation that intensified the blaze, while fire alarms failed. More than 1,100 residents were moved to shelters, and 680 others were placed in dormitories and hotels.
China’s National Security Office warned against “anti-China disruptors” allegedly trying to exploit the tragedy. The incident is now Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948.