Hong Kong high-rise fire death toll rises to 75, about 200 unaccounted for

The death toll from a massive fire in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 75, with about 70 people injured and some 200 still unaccounted for more than a day later, local authorities said Thursday, Kyodo News reported.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire that broke out in the northern Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon. The blaze rapidly enveloped seven of the eight towers in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.

The fire was reportedly the deadliest in Hong Kong since its 1997 handover to Chinese rule. A firefighter was among the dead, according to the local fire services department.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee claimed Thursday evening the fire in all seven towers had been "basically put under control," even though flames were apparently visible on site.

In his press briefing, Lee said the government will hand out HK$10,000 (RM5,306.38) to each affected household, adding, "No matter how complex the environment is, firefighters' rescue efforts will not stop."

The city leader said authorities will earmark HK$300 million for disaster relief, while all celebratory activities on the schedule would either be cancelled or postponed.

Government officials will avoid participation in "unnecessary" public events, he added.

The complex, which stands more than 30 stories tall and reportedly houses about 2,000 apartments and 4,000 people, was covered in bamboo scaffolding and green protective mesh for an ongoing refurbishment of its exterior walls. About 40 percent of the residents are aged 65 or older.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry confirmed that at least two Indonesian migrant domestic workers died while two others were injured in the outbreak, with labour rights groups saying as many as 200 migrant domestic helpers might be affected.

Mesh sheeting, foam board to blame?

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but Hong Kong's fire department alleges that the mesh sheeting and foam board used for the refurbishment may have helped the fire to spread amid strong winds.

Bamboo scaffolding is common in Hong Kong and seen as characteristic of the city's development. However, after a small fire earlier this year, officials said they would begin phasing it out for safety reasons.

Hong Kong police on Thursday morning raided the office of the company undertaking the refurbishment project, suspecting that "serious negligence" allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably. The three men arrested are directors of the firm and a consultant.

The city's Independent Commission Against Corruption said it will investigate possible corruption concerning the refurbishment project.

In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her "heartfelt condolences" to the victims of the fire, saying she has been "greatly distressed" to learn about the loss of many lives.

Scramble for safety

A 71-year-old resident of the residential complex surnamed Kan said she immediately left her home after hearing news about the fire.

"I couldn't sleep, and I have no medication," said Kan, who lives on the 29th floor of one of the scorched buildings and has Parkinson's disease.

"As I went downstairs, the two buildings adjacent to mine were already on fire and full of smoke.

"I was so scared. I had nothing with me, not even my ID card. But I dare not go back to my house, since I fear I might not be able to come back down," she said.

Another resident, surnamed Yip, 60, was at work when the fire broke out and did not return to the neighbourhood with his wife until Thursday morning.

"Two of my neighbours have yet to be evacuated," said Yip, who has lived in the neighbourhood for more than a decade.

"I am most worried about my friends, whom I have known for more than 10 years. Some of them still can't be reached, but I can't do anything," he said.

- Bernama

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