• The final death toll from the Hong Kong fire stands at 168, as confirmed by authorities.
• Victims included a wide age range, with the youngest being six months old and the oldest 98 years.
• Over 30 arrests have been made on charges related to manslaughter and corruption.

Hong Kong's devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court has officially claimed 168 lives, according to Security Secretary Chris Tang. This final toll represents an increase from previous reports, confirming the identities of all victims through forensic methods. Among the deceased are various professions, including ten domestic workers, five construction workers, and two interior decorators, highlighting the diverse community affected by this tragedy. The fire, which occurred in November, is listed as the deadliest residential blaze in the city’s history, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

The age range of the victims is broad, spanning from six months to 98 years old, with the majority being elderly residents of the complex. Reports indicate that many had lived in Wang Fuk Court for decades. City leader John Lee noted that investigations continue, with more than 30 individuals arrested on suspicions of manslaughter, fraud, and corruption related to the incident. This significant legal scrutiny follows claims that substandard materials used for renovations may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

As investigations persist, authorities have established a judge-led committee to delve deeper into the fire’s cause and broader implications. The case has ignited discussions about building safety standards in Hong Kong, particularly since the blaze engulfed seven of the eight residential towers within the estate. After the fire was finally controlled, police confirmed a completion of identification work with no victims unaccounted for, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.