The death toll from the fire in a high-rise building in Hong Kong continues to go up. Officials announced on Friday that the death toll from the devastating fire in several apartment buildings has now reached 94. Many people are still missing. According to AFP reports, the fire has been almost completely brought under control. Rescue teams are searching the burnt high-rise buildings.
On Wednesday, at around 2:50 PM local time, a fire broke out at a residential complex called Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po area of northern Hong Kong. Repair work was underway at one block of the Wang Fuk Court housing in Tai Po. Bamboo scaffolding and green nets were erected around the closely situated buildings. According to media reports, the bamboo caught fire. Since both the bamboo and green nets were highly flammable, the fire spread instantly. Seven buildings burst into flames.
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On Friday morning, authorities reported that more than 24 hours after the fire broke out in this eight-building complex, the blaze had been brought under control, securing approximately 2,000 units situated in four of the extensive apartment complexes.
A government spokesperson said at least 76 people were injured in the fire, including 11 firefighters. Many are still missing. The search for them continues. It is also being checked whether anyone is trapped in the building. However, the number of missing persons has not yet been officially announced. Though sources claim the number of missing is around 300. There are also fears that the death toll may rise further.
This tower block was built in 1983. This is the most devastating fire Hong Kong has seen in the past 80 years. Three people have been arrested in connection with this fire incident. Hong Kong Police Superintendent Eileen Chung believes this fire and the deaths occurred due to the use of unsafe materials.
