Hong Kong fire already has 159 victims, city insists on elections despite tragedy

The death toll from Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades has risen to 159. Police confirmed that a child and a 97-year-old senior citizen are among the dead. The search for the missing continues, with more than 30 people still unaccounted for.

Seven of the eight residential blocks of the complex burnt down, with around four thousand people living there. Those who lived in the only undamaged building were only able to return shortly to retrieve personal belongings.

Many of the more than 2 600 displaced people remain in makeshift accommodation, which they criticise as inadequate and far from basic services.

Police have arrested 21 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. Authorities are also investigating possible corruption failures in the renovations that allegedly allowed the rapid spread of the flames.

Despite widespread mourning, the government insists that this weekend's parliamentary elections will go ahead as planned. Many residents see this as a sign of insensitivity and a lack of respect for the victims of the disaster.

(reuters, swag)