Hong Kong, Nov 28 (V7N) – Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency on Friday confirmed the arrest of eight individuals linked to the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, where at least 128 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 200 remain unaccounted for. Officials warn the death toll is likely to rise as investigators gain access to more areas of the damaged buildings.

Rescue operations at the sprawling eight-block, 32-storey complex in Tai Po were officially concluded on Friday, though authorities continue to search for bodies inside the charred structures. Hong Kong Security Chief Chris Tang told reporters that police may discover more victims as detailed inspections resume. He also confirmed that the fire alarm system in the complex had been malfunctioning.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread across seven blocks, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and flammable green mesh used for renovation works. More than 4,600 residents lived in the estate, which had been under renovation for over a year.

At least 79 people were injured, including 12 firefighters. Throughout Friday, distraught residents returned to the site, many of them elderly, standing before the burnt-out towers as they tried to locate their homes amid the ruins. Several families were seen viewing photographs of recovered bodies to identify missing relatives. Only 39 of the 128 deceased have been identified so far.

Dozens of residents shared emotional stories. One woman, identified only as Miss Yu, pointed to her destroyed apartment from a distance, saying her home was “probably gone forever.” Another resident searching for her father said she had recognized what might be his remains but was still awaiting confirmation. Many expressed despair, saying that for those still missing, “there is no hope left.”

Hundreds of volunteers have mobilized across the district, distributing essential supplies including hot meals, diapers, blankets, and clothing. A large support camp has been set up near a local shopping mall to assist displaced families.

Authorities reported that residents had repeatedly raised safety concerns about the renovation works, including warnings about the flammability of protective mesh covering the scaffolding, but were assured by officials last year that fire risk was “relatively low.”

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said the eight arrested individuals include an engineering consultant, a scaffolding subcontractor, and a middleman. Police had earlier detained two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction, the firm responsible for the renovation, on suspicion of manslaughter for allegedly using unsafe materials such as flammable foam boards that obstructed windows. The company has not responded to requests for comment.

Among the missing are at least 19 Filipino domestic workers, while Indonesian authorities confirmed that two of its citizens working as domestic helpers were among the dead. Hong Kong is home to nearly 368,000 domestic workers, mostly from low-income Asian countries.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced a HK$300 million ($39 million) relief fund to support affected residents. Several major Chinese corporations have also pledged donations.

The tragedy is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since a 1948 warehouse blaze that killed 176 people and has drawn comparisons to London’s Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.

END/WD/SMA/