Hong Kong tower fire toll rises to 128, 200 remain missing – SABC News
Hong Kong authorities on Friday said rescue operations following a blaze that ripped through a high-rise apartment complex had concluded, with the death toll in the city’s worst fire in nearly 80 years now at 128 and 200 still missing.
The fire in the Wang Fuk Court development in the northern district of Tai Po started on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly engulfed seven of the eight 32-storey blocks in the complex.
“We do not rule out the possibility that more bodies could be discovered when police enter the building for detailed investigations,” Hong Kong Security Chief Chris Tang told a press conference.
Tang also said fire alarms in the complex had not been working properly.
COMPLEX CLAD IN BAMBOO SCAFFOLDING
“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,” Tang said.
The estate housing more than 4 600 people had been wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh for renovation work.
On Friday, mourners laid flower tributes in front of the charred and smouldering buildings, while distressed residents surveyed the remains of their homes.
“This is my home. Look over there, the 10th floor, that’s where my home was. By the hills, that’s where my home used to be,” one resident, identified only as Miss Yu, said.
“I really want to go back home, but my home is probably gone now. They won’t let us go back, so when I look in that direction, my heart feels so heavy.”
‘THERE IS NO HOPE,’ FRIEND SAYS
Families meanwhile had the grim task of looking at photographs of the dead taken by rescue workers. Security Chief Tang said only 39 of the 128 dead had been identified.
Mirra Wong, whose parents were living in Wang Fuk Court, was looking for news of her father.
“Just recognise some picture is maybe (the) body of my dad.It’s my dad’s body is still missing here,” said Wong, 48.
Another resident, who did not want to be identified, said a friend’s wife was among those unaccounted for.
“Rationally speaking, it means there’s no hope,” she said. “But the bodies still have to be found, right? Let me see if they’ve found them … It’s just too sorrowful. When it involves people you know, it’s even more painful.”