Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has arrested two more executives from a building renovation consultancy, raising the total arrests in connection with the most severe fire in seven decades to five. As of Friday afternoon, the death toll has exceeded 128, with over 200 people still missing and their fates unknown.
Hong Kong media reported on the tragic fire at the Wong Fuk Court residential building in the Tai Po district, which started on Wednesday afternoon (26 Nov). The death toll has risen to 128, with 79 injured. Authorities have received 467 missing person reports, of which around 200 remain unconfirmed.
The ICAC expanded its investigation and arrested two board members from Will Power Architects Company, the consultancy responsible for the building renovation project. This follows the Thursday arrest of three senior officials from Prestige Construction & Engineering Co Limited, the construction company, on suspicion of manslaughter. Among those arrested were two company directors, bringing the total arrests to five.
There have been 467 missing person reports, although some may be duplicates from repeated inquiries. This figure includes 39 confirmed dead and 35 injured currently hospitalized, with 110 people found safe, and 200 still missing.
Among the 200 missing, some are in "uncertain circumstances." Authorities revealed that 80 bodies were "unidentifiable," likely due to severe burning.
Officials stated that preliminary investigations found the use of materials not meeting safety standards. Highly flammable styrene foam was used to seal elevator shaft openings on every floor, which significantly contributed to the rapid fire spread inside the building and into apartments via corridors. Additionally, the mesh and tarpaulins covering scaffolding outside the building did not comply with fire safety regulations, enabling the fire to quickly intensify from the bamboo scaffolding outside.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department said in a press briefing that the fire started on the lower floors and spread upwards. Although the cause remains undetermined, investigations continue. When the fire's temperature reached up to 500 degrees Celsius, some areas reignited after being extinguished. The department confirmed that the fire was fully put out by approximately 10:18 a.m. local time.
Authorities said police would begin entering Wong Fuk Court today to collect evidence, with investigations expected to last three to four weeks.
Officials reported mobilizing 391 fire engines and 188 ambulances, with over 2,311 firefighters involved in the operation. Twelve firefighters were injured during the response. They also noted that helicopters were not used and believed aerial water drops would be ineffective for extinguishing internal fires.
Officials added that drones were not deployed but that they are studying drone use for such operations. Firefighters inspected fire alarm systems in all eight buildings but found them to be ineffective.
John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has ordered an immediate review of all government residential building renovation projects and vowed a thorough criminal investigation.
Previously, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences over the incident and called for mobilizing all resources to minimize injuries and losses.
Currently, fires in seven of the eight Wong Fuk Court buildings are under control. Fifty-six residents remain hospitalized.