Rescue Operation at Hong Kong Fire Ends as Death Toll Climbs to 128 With Hundreds Missing
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Hong Kong authorities said on Nov. 28 that the search for survivors after a massive fire tore through a residential complex in the New Territories, killing at least 128 people, has ended. About 200 people remain unaccounted for.
Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang told reporters that the blaze had been extinguished and that the rescue operation is over, adding that firefighters were now focused on lowering temperatures inside the structures.
“Our aim now is to make sure the temperature decreases in the building, and once everything is deemed safe, police will collect evidence and conduct further investigation,” he said.
Officials said at least 79 people were injured, among them 12 firefighters, one in serious condition.
Hong Kong’s Transport Department said that several road sections in the Tai Po district remained closed, including links to a major highway, as emergency teams assessed hazards and cleared debris.
Around 40 bus routes experienced suspensions or diversions.
International Condolences
U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on Nov. 27 that Washington extended “its deepest condolences to the people of Hong Kong, and especially to the victims and families affected by the devastating Tai Po fire.”He said the United States mourns the loss of life and honors the “courage of emergency teams working tirelessly to respond to this tragedy.”
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“I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and offer my sincere sympathies to their families,” she said.
Arrests
Police on Nov. 27 arrested two directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company contracted to perform maintenance on the buildings. They were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, according to police.
“We have reason to believe that the company’s responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties,” Police Superintendent Eileen Chung said.
Wang Fuk Court, constructed in the 1980s and recently renovated, consists of eight towers with nearly 2,000 units and an estimated population of 48,000. Local officials said many residents are elderly.
