At least 128 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. A further 79 people have been injured in the city's deadliest blaze in more than 70 years, which occurred in the northerly suburb of Tai Po, while dozens remain missing.
The tower blocks had been undergoing renovations when the fire began. The cause of the blaze remains unclear but officials said on Friday that Styrofoam placed on the outside of the windows facilitated its rapid spread.
Three people overseeing the renovations are under arrest for manslaughter, and authorities have launched a corruption inquiry. Bringing the fire - which spread across seven of Wang Fuk Court's eight apartment blocks - under control involved more than 2,311 firefighters.
The fire department said the fire started at a lower level before moving upwards, and reached a peak temperature of 500C (932F). Reports indicate that some fire alarms were ineffective, leading to heightened concerns about fire safety protocols.
The public’s shock has turned into anger as questions arise about who is accountable for the tragedy. Some residents claimed they did not hear any alarms, and concerns over high renovation costs and compliance with fire-safety regulations have emerged. Authorities will be investigating these issues over the coming weeks.
The fire was fully extinguished by 10:18 local time (02:18 GMT) on Friday; however, 89 bodies are yet to be identified, and investigations are set to commence immediately to gather further evidence.
In the wake of this tragedy, the incident is being compared to Hong Kong's deadliest fire on record, which resulted in 176 fatalities in 1948.
