Hong Kong fire de@th toll rises to 75 as towers burn for 2nd day

 The de@dly inferno that tore through a high-rise housing estate in Hong Kong killed at least 75 people, with dozens of residents still feared trapped on upper floors. Authorities have since arrested three people and launched a criminal investigation into the blaze, which firefighters had battled for more than 24 hours. John Lee, Hong Kongs top leader, said on Thursday evening local time that the fire at Wang Fuk Court in the northern district of Tai Po was largely under control. At least 70 people were injured in the fire, officials said. Firefighters were still working their way up to rescue residents trapped by intense heat and the thick smoke that was pouring out of the complex. Though the origin of the fire was unclear, investigators were focusing on the bamboo scaffolding and green netting that surrounded the towers at Wang Fuk Court as renovations were carried out.Experts said they appeared to help flames leap from building to building as the blaze built into an inferno that engulfed seven of the estates eight towers. Police searched the offices of Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, the registered contractor hired to carry out the renovations, after earlier arresting two directors and an engineering consultant on suspicion of manslaughter. The citys anti-corruption agency said it was launching an investigation into possible corruption in the renovation project.Lee said the government would set up a fund worth 300 million Hong Kong dollars ($38.6 million) to help residents displaced from their homes. More than 500 people were staying at nine temporary shelters after the blaze. Lee also said the Hong Kong Development Bureau had met with industry representatives to discuss gradually replacing the citys iconic bamboo scaffolding with metal, as the construction material becomes a focal point of the fire investigation.The post Hong Kong fire de@th toll rises to 75 as towers burnfor2ndday appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.