Hong Kong, November 27 (QNA) - The death toll from the massive fire that swept through a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 55, with more than 250 people still missing.
Local authorities in Hong Kong said that they have launched a wide-ranging investigation into the ongoing renovation work at the site, and to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire that broke out inside the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district, which has been described as the worst in decades.
In a statement, the Hong Kongآ International Academy Against Corruption (ICAC) announced that it has formed a task force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into suspected corruption related to the complex's major renovation project.
In turn, the Chinese police are continuing their investigations to determine the cause of the fire, announcing the arrest of three people after flammable materials were found during maintenance work, which is believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Initial reports on the fire stated that flames broke out in bamboo scaffolding in several buildings within the "Wang Fuk Court" complex before spreading to other parts of the buildings. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from at least five of the eight buildings, while ash was flying into the air. (QNA)