Hong Kong fire death toll increases

THE death toll from a deadly fire that broke out at a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong has risen to 75 people, authorities have said.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTERS

Firefighters battled one of the deadliest modern blazes in the Chinese city’s history for a second day yesterday, fighting to control the fire which blackened several high-rise towers. Three men from a construction company have been arrested, and rescue missions were continuing yesterday.

Thick smoke poured out of the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po district, a northern Hong Kong suburb near the border with mainland China, yesterday morning.

The fire which started mid-afternoon on Wednesday had spread across seven of the complex’s eight buildings, and four of the towers were under control by yesterday morning, the city’s fire services said.

One firefighter was among the 75 people confirmed dead, officials said. At least 70 people were injured, many suffering from burn and inhalation injuries.