The death toll in the worst fire in Hong Kong in decades has risen to 159 people, police said, quoted by Reuters. Among the victims is a baby and a 97-year-old man. The search for the remains of the large residential complex is still ongoing, with about 30 people remaining missing, News.bg reports.
So far, 140 of the dead have been identified - 91 women and 49 men aged between 1 and 97. As part of the investigation, 21 people have been detained on suspicion of manslaughter. Hong Kong's anti-corruption watchdog is also investigating possible abuses and corruption.
An independent commission led by judges has been set up to investigate the tragedy and conduct a comprehensive review of building controls. Previous inspections have assured residents that the fire risk is "relatively low", despite reports of danger from the renovations.
The authorities say that the plastic mesh and insulation foam used in the renovations facilitated the rapid spread of the fire because they did not meet fire safety standards.
Hong Kong's leadership is continuing preparations for Sunday's election, despite expectations of a low voter turnout due to public discontent and mourning after the tragedy. The plans for their implementation have been met with criticism from citizens, who say the authorities are putting their political priorities ahead of caring for the victims.
According to official figures, more than 2,600 residents of the burned-out complex have been temporarily housed. More than a thousand people have been accommodated in hostels, camps or hotels, and another 1,607 residents have been moved to temporary housing.