One more arrested over deadly Tai Po fire

Police have arrested one more person in connection with the fatal five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, bringing the total number of detainees to 16.

A 48-year-old man, a sub-contractor responsible for external wall works, was arrested in Tin Shui Wai on Wednesday on suspicion of manslaughter. He has been released on bail.

Those previously arrested include 15 men and one woman, aged 40 to 77, from the main contractor, engineering consultant, scaffolding sub-contractor and external wall works sub-contractor. All have been bailed pending further investigation.

The New Territories North regional crime unit is actively investigating the blaze, which killed at least 161 people. It is suspected that the use of fire-resistant substandard external protective netting, waterproof tarpaulin, plastic sheets and foam boards installed on windows contributed to the tragedy.

Police urged anyone with information to call 3661 1674.