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The massive blaze at a high-rise housing estate killed at least 159 people, including 10 domestic helpers, highlighting the critical role they play in the Chinese territory.
For many, it was already too late. Within hours, seven of the eight towers in Wang Fuk Court were ablaze. The inferno raged for nearly two days, burning victims beyond recognition in their apartments. Lee said on Tuesday that 30 people are still missing.
Hong Kong’s national-security office summoned representatives of news organizations including The Wall Street Journal to find fault with coverage of the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court and warn against reporting that would undermine Hong Kong or its authorities.
Authorities have scrambled to contain public anger over the blaze, in which poor oversight and shoddy materials used in a renovation have been cited as factors.
4don MSN
Hong Kong high-rise fire death toll rises to 159 as authorities arrest 6 over failed fire alarms
The death toll of Hong Kong’s high-rise apartment blaze rose to 159 on Wednesday, as authorities arrested six people on suspicion of deactivating some fire alarms during maintenance work at the housing complex.