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Hong Kong Estate Fire Toll Rises to 160 as UN Faults Security-Law Response

Investigators are examining substandard scaffolding mesh, window foam, alarm failures that accelerated the blaze.

Overview

  • Police raised the confirmed death toll to 160 and said six people remain missing after new DNA analysis identified an additional victim.
  • Authorities reported 120 of the dead have been identified through DNA or fingerprint testing, with further verification ongoing.
  • Crews clearing collapsed scaffolding recovered a piece of suspected human bone that is now being tested, according to the police chief.
  • Investigators say bamboo scaffolding wrapped in non‑compliant mesh and polystyrene or foam panels on windows helped the fire race up the towers, and some alarms reportedly failed.
  • Police have arrested 15 people from construction firms on suspicion of manslaughter and six over alarm or fraud issues, while a judge‑led inquiry and ICAC probe proceed as the UN rights chief criticizes security‑law actions and China’s security office warns against politicizing the disaster.