LONDON — The death toll from the massive fire at a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong rose to 128 on Friday as search and rescue efforts continued.
Hong Kong Security Minister Chris Tang Ping-keung announced the new death toll on Friday, but warned that more bodies may be found.
Three men linked to the construction company responsible for renovating the residential complex have been arrested and are being investigated in connection with the fire, Hong Kong police said at a news conference early Thursday morning.
Police suspect that the mesh used during the renovation did not meet standards. So the company installed a large amount of Styrofoam in the windows and exterior walls, which acted as an accelerant once the fire broke out, police said.
The mesh and Styrofoam were found in the only building not affected by the fire, police said.
More than 140 fire trucks and more than 800 firefighters and paramedics were deployed Wednesday to respond to the blaze, with drones also deployed, officials said.
Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
About 279 people have been reported missing, Hong Kong leader John Lee said at a news conference earlier Thursday.
“The fire resulted in many casualties, including a firefighter who died in the line of duty,” Lee said in an earlier statement on social media. “I express my deep sadness and deepest condolences to the families of the dead and injured.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a statement offering his condolences and condolences to the families of the victims and those affected.
He said he instructed authorities “to make every effort to ensure search and rescue operations, medical treatment of the injured and post-disaster relief, and to provide necessary assistance to relevant departments and local authorities to minimize casualties and losses.”
Yan Zhao/AFP via Getty Images
ABC News’ Karson Yiu, Ellie Kaufman, Will Gretsky and Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.
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