Hong Kong authorities have detained 15 individuals linked to a deadly residential fire at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court housing complex, with police confirming more arrests are imminent. The suspects – 14 men and one woman aged 40 to 77 – worked for the maintenance engineering firm responsible for the building, according to a police statement issued Tuesday.
As of 4 p.m. on December 2, 2025, the blaze has claimed 156 lives, with approximately 30 residents still unaccounted for. Investigators are examining whether safety violations contributed to the rapid spread of flames through the 40-story tower.
This incident marks Hong Kong's deadliest fire since the 1996 Garley Building disaster. Security Secretary Tang Ping-keung pledged a full review of building safety regulations during a press conference, stating: "We will hold all responsible parties accountable under the law."
The detainees face potential manslaughter charges as rescue teams continue search operations. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for improved fire safety standards in residential towers across Hong Kong's New Territories region.
