Hong Kong Tower Fire Death Toll Rises to 128
Massive blaze in Tai Po high-rises leaves over 100 dead as authorities launch investigation
- Death toll rises to 128 in Hong Kong tower block fire.
- 79 injured and dozens missing after blaze in Tai Po.
- Renovation workers arrested; investigation and corruption probe launched.
At least 128 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, while 79 others were injured and dozens remain missing. The blaze, the deadliest in the city in over 70 years, occurred in the northern suburb of Tai Po.
The affected tower blocks were undergoing renovations when the fire broke out. Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause, but officials said that Styrofoam on the exterior of the windows contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
Three individuals overseeing the renovations have been arrested on manslaughter charges, and a corruption inquiry has been launched.
Firefighters deployed more than 2,300 personnel to bring the blaze, which spread across seven of Wang Fuk Court’s eight apartment blocks, under control. The fire was fully extinguished at 10:18 local time (02:18 GMT) on Friday.
Authorities reported that 89 bodies remain unidentified, with 16 still inside the buildings. Police will begin entering the structures to collect evidence, and the investigation is expected to take three to four weeks.
