Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, announced yesterday (Jan. 15) that the death toll from the Level-5 fire at Wang Fuk Court has been finalized at 168. He stated that the government would not release the victims' list at this stage to respect the wishes of the bereaved families.
Speaking on a radio program today (Jan. 16), Tang confirmed that forensic examinations and dental identification have verified the total number of fatalities. He emphasized that this figure is final, with no unidentified remains or missing cases. Tang explained that disclosing the victims' names could cause additional distress to families, some of whom have elderly members unaware of the tragedy. As such, the government will withhold the list unless required by a coroner's inquest.
Tang noted that in cases where a coroner's inquiry is necessary, the victims' details will be submitted to the court. He added that the authorities have communicated extensively with the families, and many expressed a preference for privacy to avoid reopening emotional wounds.
In response to the fire, the government is considering new measures to prevent similar tragedies. These include introducing fixed penalty fines for violations such as obstructing fire escape routes, which Tang believes would be more efficient than prosecution. Additionally, new legal requirements may be implemented, such as mandating prior approval before disabling major fire safety systems.
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