HONG KONG — Police Commissioner Joe Chow confirmed Monday that the second phase of post-disaster operations has concluded, successfully clearing all collapsed scaffolding from around the fire-affected buildings in coordination with the Housing Department. The grim search efforts, however, continue to yield challenging discoveries, including a suspected human bone found during the clean-up, which is now undergoing forensic testing to determine if it is human, animal, or related to previously recovered victims. Simultaneously, the official death toll from the catastrophic fire has risen to 160 confirmed fatalities, even as authorities accelerate identification efforts and strive to locate six remaining missing individuals.
Search and Identification Efforts Intensify
The recovery and identification process remains complex. During the clean-up, the Fire Services Department drained water from the lift shafts of seven damaged buildings, reporting no further discovery of bodies. Forensic teams confirmed a significant development: one set of previously recovered remains contained the DNA of two individuals—an elderly woman and her domestic worker—requiring samples from various body parts to establish their identities. Relatives, including the helper’s family residing in Hong Kong, have provided reference samples to aid in this confirmation.
Authorities have significantly clarified the status of those initially reported missing. Of the 31 individuals listed, 24 have been accounted for: 12 were found safe, two live outside Hong Kong, four had died from unrelated causes months or years before the fire, and two were never residents of Wang Fuk Court. Eight of the confirmed fatalities are from this initial missing list. Following deduction of one body recovered today, only six persons remain unaccounted for, and Commissioner Chow stated officers are focused on briefing these families.
Forensic Progress and Dedicated Analysis
Forensic analysis is proceeding at a priority level to provide closure to families. Of the 160 confirmed deaths, 120 identities have been established through DNA or fingerprint analysis, a rapid pace achieved by prioritizing samples. Forty identities currently remain pending.
“The Government Laboratory and forensic pathologists have prioritized this work to shorten turnaround times,” Commissioner Chow stated. “Around 140 identities were confirmed within a single week rather than the typical two to three weeks.”
To expedite DNA matching, 162 relatives have provided biological samples in recent days, with more appointments scheduled at community halls to facilitate collection. Authorities are committed to using the most convenient methods for families to hasten the process.
Next Steps and Community Impact
Phase three of the recovery operation will shift focus to the exterior scaffolding and mesh of the seven blocks. Drones have already been deployed to search for remains, and authorities, in conjunction with the Housing Department, will remove external materials for close inspection for any additional victims or skeletal remains.
Wang Chi House is the only block structurally untouched by the blaze, and most residents have returned to retrieve their belongings. Structural assessments are ongoing for the other seven towers. Authorities plan to remove all exterior scaffolding, mesh, and polystyrene panels soon, prioritizing safety and aiming to accelerate the overall timeline for recovery and structural determination.
The police investigation has also benefited from public cooperation. Since the dedicated hotline opened, 79 community members have submitted 520 photos and 412 videos to assist in the inquiry. However, incidents of fire-related fraud continue, with one additional scam logged, bringing the total to 22 cases. Two arrests have been made, and police are intensifying efforts to track the remaining suspects.
Furthermore, search efforts for pets and remains are coordinated with the SPCA, which over the past fortnight has located six cats, six turtles, one reptile, and several fish. These searches will continue as appropriate.