SHENZHEN (China), Nov 28 (Bernama-dpa) -- The death toll in the major fire which broke out at a Hong Kong high-rise residential block complex rose to 94 as firefighting operations continued on Friday morning, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Around 80 others were injured, including several firefighters, as the fires continued to burn three days after breaking out, the fire department said, according to Hong Kong media reports.
The fire department said it expected to complete the search and rescue operation in Tai Po District by mid-morning. By then, it hopes to have gained access to all flats in the seven affected apartment blocks in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex.
The fire broke out in one block on Wednesday and subsequently spread to other blocks, each with more than 30 floors. It is the most devastating fire in Hong Kong in decades.
Bamboo scaffolding had been erected around the apartment blocks for ongoing renovations on the complex, which dates back to the 1980s. In addition, authorities said some materials used in the work may not have met safety regulations.
Three men from a construction company were detained on suspicion of manslaughter.
The Hong Kong government announced that it would switch to steel scaffolding as soon as possible, following criticism over the fire safety of bamboo scaffolding.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
--BERNAMA-dpa
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