Death toll rises to 128 in Hong Kong residential complex fire

The death toll from a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district, northern Hong Kong, has risen to 128. The blaze, which began on Wednesday, quickly spread throughout the building and continued burning for more than a full day.

After the fire was brought under control early on Friday, the fire service launched rescue operations in the debris. So far, the deaths of 128 people have been confirmed; among them, the identities of 89 bodies have yet to be verified. A fire service worker is also among the dead.

Another 79 people were injured in the fire. Fire service officials said the blaze spread upwards from the ground floor of the building. However, the exact cause of the fire is still unknown.

Due to extreme heat, parts of the fire reignited even after being extinguished. At one point, the temperature of the blaze exceeded 500 degrees Celsius.

Officials said it will take several days to determine the cause.

More than 2,500 firefighters took part in extinguishing the massive blaze. They were supported by 391 fire engines and 188 ambulances. Helicopters and drones were not used because the fire was located inside the building.