Hong Kong Fire: 8 More Arrested as Death Toll Reaches 128
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption authorities have arrested eight more individuals in connection with the massive fire that killed 128 people this week. The death toll is expected to rise further with approximately 200 people still unaccounted for.
Key Developments
- Eight additional arrests made (7 men, 1 woman aged 40-63)
- Death toll reaches 128, with 79 injured and 200 missing
- Fire alarms in all eight buildings found non-functional after blaze
- Scaffolding and construction materials fueled rapid fire spread
Investigation Details
The latest arrests include scaffolding subcontractors, engineering consultancy directors, and project managers detained on Friday. This brings the total to eleven arrests after three construction company employees were earlier held on manslaughter suspicion.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security Chris Tang described the situation as “still critical” as firefighters entered their third day of rescue operations.
Safety Failures Discovered
Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung confirmed fire alarms throughout the complex were “not functional” after the blaze. While it’s unclear if they worked when the fire started, residents reported never hearing alarms.
Seven of the eight 32-storey towers caught fire when exterior bamboo scaffolding and construction materials ignited. Investigators found highly flammable plastic foam panels near elevator lobbies in one tower.
Rescue Challenges
Windy conditions and high temperatures hampered rescue efforts, making helicopter operations impossible. The complex houses nearly 2,000 apartments with approximately 4,800 residents.
Hong Kong leader John Lee confirmed contact had been lost with 279 people. Hundreds of survivors are staying in temporary shelters, including a nearby school, with volunteers distributing essential supplies.
Scaffolding Safety Concerns
Bamboo scaffolding has been used in Hong Kong for centuries due to its flexibility in tight spaces. However, the Construction Industry Council revealed that 23 deaths have been linked to scaffolding-related accidents since 2018.
