Hong Kong police official Joe Chow Yat-ming stated today that the focus at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex fire site would shift from rescue operations to dismantling scaffolding around the building to search for bodies.

The Wang Fuk Court apartment complex on 7/12. Photo: AFP

Joe added that during the scaffolding removal, firefighters discovered some bone fragments on the ground, but their origin, human or animal, has not yet been determined.

The search and rescue operation concluded after authorities confirmed the discovery of 160 bodies within the burned buildings. They have identified 120 individuals, with the remaining awaiting DNA test results. Joe noted that officials would continue to update the number of victims.

The fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex erupted on the afternoon of 26/11 and was extinguished approximately 40 hours later. The blaze destroyed 7 of the 8 buildings, leaving nearly 5,000 people homeless.

The Hong Kong government announced it would prioritize mental health support for those affected by the fire and plans to promote a complete smoking ban at construction sites.