15 detained over manslaughter in HK residential fire, more arrests likely

This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2025 shows a scene at the rescue site in Wang Fuk Court, a residential area in Tai Po of Hong Kong, south China. [Photo/Xinhua]

Fifteen individuals have been detained on suspicion of manslaughter in a major residential fire, the Hong Kong Police Force told reporters on Tuesday, adding that more arrests are likely.

The detainees -- 14 men and one woman aged 40 to 77 -- are all linked to the maintenance engineering firm involved with the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, police said.

By 4 p.m. Tuesday, the blaze had claimed 156 lives, with around 30 people still unaccounted for, authorities said.