15 detained over manslaughter in residential fire, more arrests likely: Hong Kong police

HONG KONG -- Fifteen individuals have been detained on suspicion of manslaughter in a major residential fire, the Hong Kong Police Force told reporters on Tuesday, adding that more arrests are likely.

The detainees -- 14 men and one woman aged 40 to 77 -- are all linked to the maintenance engineering firm involved with the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, police said.

By 4 pm Tuesday, the blaze had claimed 156 lives, with around 30 people still unaccounted for, authorities said.