The deadly Hong Kong apartment fire has claimed the lives of at least 128 people, with the toll expected to rise as the aftermath unfolds. The inferno, which started in a public housing estate in Tai Po, has left 79 others injured, according to Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang. The fire's rapid spread from one building to multiple others within the densely packed Wang Fuk Court complex is under investigation, with authorities suspecting the initial blaze began on the lower floors of Wang Cheong house. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and a police investigation is underway, expected to take three to four weeks. The complex was undergoing renovations, with all eight towers covered in bamboo scaffolding and green protective mesh, which, according to Tang, ignited and spread the fire. The construction company's name was found on flammable polystyrene boards blocking windows, which contributed to the fire's rapid spread. The high temperatures caused windows to shatter, allowing the fire to spread indoors. Despite the mesh nets complying with safety standards, the extreme conditions inside the building, reaching temperatures above 500 degrees Celsius, presented a formidable challenge for firefighters and residents alike. Some units reignited even after being extinguished, further complicating rescue efforts.
