"Tensions are running high in Hong Kong over last week's massive apartment fire in the city's Tai Po district. The blaze killed at least 156 people, with the death toll expected to grow as authorities continue to comb through the burned-out buildings. The fireat the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex broke out as buildings were being renovated. It eventually spread to seven out of eight apartment towers in the complex."
"the Hong Kong Labour Department told the Reuters news agency. Fifteen people have already been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as officials probe the incident. The suspects include several people associated with the renovation contractor. Eric Chan, Hong Kong's chief secretary, said contractors had hidden places where the substandard netting was used to save costs and evade detection by inspectors, adding the suspects "acted with deliberate intent and planning.""
A fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po killed at least 156 people and may claim more victims as authorities comb through burned buildings. The blaze began during renovation work and spread to seven of eight apartment towers. Investigators suspect substandard insulation foam and cheap plastic scaffolding netting accelerated the fire. Residents raised safety concerns as early as September 2024 but were told the fire risk was 'relatively low.' Fifteen people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, including individuals linked to the renovation contractor. Officials say contractors hid substandard netting to save costs and evade inspectors. A judge-led independent committee will examine the cause and rapid spread. Calls for official accountability are growing.
Read at www.dw.com
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