The death toll in a major fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen to 94.
The Hong Kong Fire Service said one fire service member was among the dead. In addition, 76 people were injured, 11 of whom were fire service personnel.
The fire in the complex, where an estimated 4 thousand people live, continues to be extinguished for more than 40 hours. Rescue teams have not yet been able to reach 25 apartments from which earlier calls for help were received.
Fire in Tai Po
The fire began on the afternoon of November 26 in the Wang Fuk residential complex, which includes more than 1,900 apartments.
Police detained three suspects, including two executives of the construction company responsible for the renovation, as well as a consulting engineer. They are accused of causing death by negligence.
Bamboo scaffolding and plastic foam covering the windows are believed to have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
Hong Kong has a five-level fire alarm system. For the first time in 17 years, the maximum, fifth threat level was announced. This fire was the deadliest in Hong Kong in the last 70 years.