The death toll in the fire that hit an apartment complex in Hong Kong has risen to 146. In total, 79 people were injured. The information was confirmed this Sunday (30) by local police, according to Reuters.
Authorities said the search for the burned buildings was expected to take 3 to 4 weeks.
The fire started on Wednesday afternoon (26) and quickly reached seven of the complex’s eight 32-storey blocks.
The cause has not yet been determined, but it is believed that the flames spread quickly and were exacerbated by the bamboo scaffolding, the use of which the government began to phase out in March for safety reasons.
Bamboo scaffolding – an ancient and widely used construction technique in Hong Kong – has been increasingly questioned over its safety and durability, despite it remaining an essential method for building and repairing structures in the densely populated city.
At least 11 people were arrested in connection with the fire, including directors of the construction company responsible for the condominium.
*Under updating.
