The death toll of Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades has risen to 168 from 161 after the remains of more victims were identified, the city’s security chief has said.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung updated the figures for the Wang Fuk Court inferno in Tai Po, saying that all the victims had now been identified following dental examinations and DNA testing of remains.
“We have notified the families of all 168 victims, and they have since confirmed the identities of the deceased,” Tang said at Hong Kong airport on Thursday after returning from a visit to Beijing.
“All bodies and remains have now been identified, leaving no unidentified remains. We also have clarified the status of every individual previously reported as missing or unreachable. Consequently, the figure of 168 fatalities is final.”
Among the 168 victims of the November 26 blaze were a firefighter who died in the line of duty, two renovation workers, five construction workers and 10 domestic helpers, he said.
He noted that police investigations into the causes of death were under way, with the final report to be submitted to the coroner upon completion.
