Media: Hong Kong fire probe centres on flammable materials used in renovation PHOTO

Authorities in Hong Kong have suggested that unsafe scaffolding and foam materials may have contributed to the rapid spread of a fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, which has so far claimed at least 94 lives, with dozens still reported missing.

Three construction company employees have been arrested in connection with the blaze, Caliber.Az reports, citing the South China Morning Post.

Thus, the fire broke out amid renovation work in one of the buildings. Preliminary investigations indicate that bamboo scaffolding and foam barriers, which reportedly did not meet fire safety standards, may have accelerated the flames. Strong winds further intensified the fire and hindered evacuation efforts.

The fire affected four of the eight apartment blocks in the Tai Po district. Firefighters continue to work to extinguish the blaze and rescue residents trapped on upper floors.

Authorities say 76 people have been injured, including 11 firefighters, and 279 remain unaccounted for, although some have since been located. More than 900 residents have been provided with temporary shelter.

Hong Kong Police Superintendent Eileen Chang said investigators believe gross negligence contributed to the high death toll. Two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige, the construction company carrying out the renovations, have been arrested. The company’s offices were searched and documents seized.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all efforts to contain the fire and minimise casualties. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed concern and anger on social media, sharing videos showing apparent safety breaches on the scaffolding during the renovation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev