Hong Kong authorities confirmed Saturday that 161 people perished in a devastating residential complex fire in Tai Po, with DNA identification efforts continuing to establish all victims' identities. The death toll – already the territory's deadliest fire incident this year – remains provisional as forensic teams work through charred remains.
"This tragedy has shocked our community to its core," stated a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government spokesperson, emphasizing that identification processes could take several more days. Emergency crews remain on standby at the site amid concerns about structural instability.
The blaze, which erupted unexpectedly in a 40-year-old mixed-use building, highlights renewed scrutiny over fire safety standards in Hong Kong's aging urban infrastructure. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced immediate inspections of similar buildings across the territory, while Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu declared three days of official mourning starting Monday.
For families awaiting confirmation of missing relatives, a dedicated support center has been established at Tai Po Community Hall. Social workers and medical personnel are providing trauma counseling to survivors and first responders affected by the catastrophe.
