Hong Kong Apartment Fire Death Toll Reaches 146 Amid Ongoing Investigations

The death toll from the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has risen to 146, as authorities continue to search the burned-out buildings. The blaze, which began on November 26, is among the deadliest in the city's history.

The fire started on scaffolding wrapped in nylon and polystyrene during renovation work and quickly spread across seven of the complex's eight 31-story buildings. Strong winds and flammable materials contributed to the rapid spread.

Investigations are focusing on potential safety violations and negligence. Authorities have suspended work on 28 projects by Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, the contractor responsible for the renovations, citing serious deficiencies in site safety management.

Several individuals, including company directors and subcontractors, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence.

In response to the tragedy, China's Ministry of Emergency Management has launched a nationwide fire safety inspection targeting high-rise buildings, emphasizing the need to strengthen fire safety measures, particularly for buildings undergoing renovations.

The Wang Fuk Court fire is the worst on record in Hong Kong since a warehouse blaze in 1948 killed 176 people.