The death toll from the Hong Kong fire has risen to 146

The death toll from a fire in a high-rise complex in Hong Kong has risen to 146, local authorities announced on Sunday. Due to the tragic event, the city has been in a three-day mourning period since Saturday, Reuters reported. The final death toll may increase even further.

The previous count was 128 deaths.

The fate of 150 people remains unknown. Hong Kong authorities said a thorough search of all buildings could take three or four weeks, which could increase the final death toll in the fire.

A fire broke out in a residential complex in Hong Kong under renovation on Wednesday and took nearly two days to extinguish. More than 2,300 firefighters, 391 fire trucks and 188 ambulances took part in the rescue and firefighting operation. One firefighter was killed and 12 were injured in action.

Initial findings indicate that the fire started on the ground floor of one of the eight buildings in the residential complex and quickly spread to seven of the eight 31-story skyscrapers. According to investigators, the fire protection systems did not work properly. The reason for the fire spreading so quickly could have been flammable materials used during the renovation, to which building residents were to pay attention in advance.

In connection with the case, the police arrested three men – directors and a consultant of a construction company.

This is the most tragic accident of this type in Hong Kong since 1948 and the biggest disaster since the handover of the city to China by Great Britain in 1997. (PAP)

mad/ akl/