The number of victims from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has risen to at least 128, authorities confirmed as firefighters completed their operations.
According to officials, around 200 people are still considered missing, with families searching hospitals across the city for their loved ones.
The blaze spread rapidly through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, engulfing eight high-rise buildings.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, including the condition of bamboo scaffolding and plastic netting that surrounded the complex as part of major renovation works. Police have already blamed the construction company for potential “negligence.”
Many people remain unaccounted for, though the exact number is unclear, as data has not been updated since Thursday morning.
On Friday, authorities reported that more than 50 people remain hospitalized, including 12 in critical condition and 28 in serious condition.
This was Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when an explosion followed by a blaze killed at least 135 people.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption body announced Thursday that it had launched an investigation into the renovation works, just hours after police arrested three individuals suspected of leaving flammable foam insulation materials at the site where the fire ignited.
Among the 128 victims were one firefighter and two Indonesian workers.
The Hong Kong government has announced a $38.5 million relief fund to support the victims. Authorities have opened nine shelters and are preparing temporary housing for residents who lost their homes.
Due to the tragedy, campaign activities for the 7 December legislative elections in Hong Kong have been suspended.
