(Reuters) – Hong Kong authorities said on Friday that rescue operations following a fire that destroyed an apartment complex had been completed, with the death toll from the city’s worst blaze in nearly 80 years reaching 128 and 200 still missing.
The fire at the Wang Fuk Court development in Tai Po’s northern district began on Wednesday afternoon and quickly engulfed seven of the complex’s eight 32-story blocks.
“We do not rule out the possibility that more bodies may be found when police enter the building for detailed investigations,” Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang said at a news conference.
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Tang also stated that the complex’s fire alarms were not working properly.
Rescue efforts have now been completed and at least 79 people, including 12 firefighters, were injured, he said.
“Our goal now is to ensure that the temperature drops in the building, and once everything is deemed safe, the police will collect evidence and conduct further investigations,” Tang said.
The property that houses more than 4,600 people was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh for renovation work.
On Friday, mourners laid floral tributes in front of charred buildings, while distressed residents examined the remains of their homes.
‘This is my home. Look there, on the 10th floor, that was where my house was. Near the hills, that’s where my house used to be,’ said a resident, identified only as Mrs Yu.
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‘I really want to go home, but my home probably doesn’t exist anymore. They won’t let us go back, so when I look in that direction, my heart is very heavy.’
