Hong Kong (The COW News Digital)A devastating fire that engulfed multiple residential buildings in Hong Kong has claimed 128 lives, leaving 79 injured and dozens still missing, local authorities reported on Friday. The tragedy is being described as the worst residential fire in Hong Kong in 70 years.
According to international media reports, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but officials noted that the presence of polystyrene sheets and protective nets on the building exteriors contributed to the rapid spread of flames. At the time of the incident, renovation and repair work was underway in the affected buildings, which may have also played a role in the disaster.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has detained eight individuals, including a director of an engineering firm, on suspicion of corruption related to the ongoing renovation work. Authorities are investigating whether negligence or malpractice contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
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Police have entered the damaged buildings to collect evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events, but officials caution that a full investigation may take three to four weeks to complete.
In response to the disaster, the Hong Kong government has established temporary shelters and support centers for affected families, providing essential aid, medical care, and counseling. Local organizations and volunteers have also mobilized to assist survivors and relatives of victims.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as residents tried to escape the rapidly spreading fire. Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night, battling flames and rescuing those trapped inside the high-rise apartments.
Authorities have pledged a comprehensive review of building safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future, highlighting concerns over construction materials, emergency exits, and oversight of renovation projects.
The Hong Kong community, still in shock over the scale of the loss, has called for stricter enforcement of safety standards in residential buildings to avoid another catastrophe.
