The death toll from the deadly blaze in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District has soared to at least 128, as authorities warned today of the possibility of finding more bodies.
A total of 108 bodies were discovered at the scene of the inferno at Wang Fuk Court in the New Territories, officials said while 200 others were in "unclear situations".
Rescue operations at the fire-ravaged housing estate were completed at 10.18 a.m., according to emergency personnel.
A total of 79 people were injured in the blaze that erupted in the eight-block residential estate on Wednesday afternoon. Seven of the high-rises were gutted by the fire.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung told reporters that the mesh netting covering the buildings, the external walls of which were being renovated, had met fire resistance standards, but the styrofoam boards used to seal windows were found to be "highly flammable".
He said the styrofoam boards were believed to have spread the flames after the netting near the lower floors of Wang Cheong House first caught fire.
Investigations by police officers could take around three to four weeks, Tang added.
Fire chief Andy Yeung Yan-kin said the fire alarms in the residential buildings were found to have failed to operate efficiently, adding that law enforcement actions would proceed.
One fireman perished during the fire-fighting operation.
- RTHK, MPD
Caption: Residents who escaped Wednesday's deadly inferno in Taipa look for something to wear near the disaster site in Hong Kong's New Territories this morning. - Photo courtesy of RTHK
Wang Fuk Court residents who managed to escape the devastating fire look for something to wear as the weather gets colder. Photo: RTHK
Wang Fuk Court residents who managed to escape the devastating fire look for something to wear as the weather gets colder. Photo: RTHK
Wang Fuk Court residents who managed to eWang Fuk Court residents who managed to escape the devastating fire look for something to wear as the weather gets colder. Photo: RTHKscape the devastating fire look for something to wear as the weather gets colder. Photo: RTHK
