The death toll from the massive fire at a Hong Kong apartment complex has climbed to 128, officials said Friday, with about 200 people still unaccounted for.
Authorities confirmed at least 79 people were injured in the blaze, which tore through several buildings in the Tai Po district. The fire burned for more than 42 hours before firefighters brought it under control.
Hundreds Still Missing
Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang warned the number of deaths may continue to rise. Some bodies have not yet been identified, and many families are still waiting for news of their missing loved ones.
The city, known for strict building safety standards, has been shaken by what is now its deadliest fire in decades. Many displaced residents spent a third night in temporary shelters as rescue teams continued their search.
Cause Under Investigation
Investigators believe the fire began on the lower floors of Wang Cheong House, one of eight towers in Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate home to more than 4,000 people.
The entire complex was under renovation and wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh. Police say flammable polystyrene boards—found with a contractor’s label—helped the flames spread quickly across buildings.
Tang said the burning mesh, boards and collapsing scaffolding accelerated the fire’s movement. Shattered windows then allowed the flames to enter apartments. Temperatures inside the building reportedly exceeded 500°C (930°F), making conditions extremely dangerous for both firefighters and residents.
A full investigation into how the blaze spread so rapidly is expected to take several weeks.
