Hong Kong fire: eight more arrested, death toll rises to 128

Eight more people have been arrested in connection with the massive fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, according to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. The arrests come as investigators probe possible corruption linked to the building’s repair and maintenance work, the Global Times reported on Friday.

Those arrested include engineering consultants, scaffolding subcontractors and a middleman. Officials said firefighting and rescue operations are nearing completion after days of intense effort following the blaze, which has claimed at least 128 lives. Meanwhile, as many as 200 people are still missing, the CNN reported, citing officials.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security Chris Tang said at least 79 people were injured and warned that the death toll could rise further as several bodies are yet to be identified.

Wang Fuk Court, an affordable housing complex completed in 1983, was undergoing major renovation when the fire broke out. All eight buildings were wrapped in scaffolding and mesh. Investigators said the fire originated from scaffolding outside one building and spread rapidly.

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Earlier, Hong Kong Police arrested three men on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter. Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said preliminary findings suggest highly inflammable materials were used, prompting the HKSAR government to order a city-wide safety inspection of renovation sites.