Cause of Hong Kong fire probeーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
The death toll from fire at a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to at least 128. More than 70 people have been injured and around 200 are unaccounted for. This video was taken soon after the fire started. Flames can be flames can be seen licking around the foot of the building which is covered with green netting. The flames soon spread to the upper floors. The netting and scaffolding caught fire. Local media say the fire was largely extinguished by Friday morning, 2 days after it broke out in the northern district of Taipo. Flames had engulfed seven apartment blocks at the site. Each of the buildings is more than 30 stories tall. I can’t get in contact with my friend. I really hope my friend will be found alive. The Hong Kong government has announced measures to support affected residents, including financial aid to help them with urgent needs. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but local media say the fire spread along bamboo scaffolding put out for repair work. Fire authorities say protective nets used for the work may not have met fire safety standards and they’ve not ruled out the possibility that a full material used in the buildings contributed to the spread of the flames. Police have arrested three people from a construction company overseeing the repair project, including senior officials on suspicion of manslaughter. For more, we are now joined by NHK World’s Yoshida Mayu at the site of the fire. So, Mayu, what is the situation right now there, Reena? Behind me are the high-rise residential buildings where the fire broke out. It is now 2 days since the blade started. Fire trucks and ambulances are still lined up here, but no active firefighting is underway. From where we are, there’s no longer any visible smoke or flames, but the smell of burning still hangs in the air. Mayu, have you been able to speak with any affected residents? I’ve spoken to people mourning friends and family members who lost their lives in the blaze. Others are voicing anxiety about what comes next as they now have nowhere to live. I’ve also seen people laying flowers around the buildings and praying for the victims. Evacuation centers have been set up near the site and many displaced residents are taking shelter there. Volunteers have also gathered to bring food, clothes, and drinks. Many people here still have family members or friends who are who remain missing. They say they’re hoping to see progress in the rescue operations. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but three people have been arrested. Are there any clues about how the fire was able to spread so widely and quickly? Fire authorities held a press conference this afternoon. The director said typhr foam attached to the windows was highly flammable and may have caused the rapid spread of the fire. He also pointed out fire alarms at the complex didn’t work out properly. They also suspect that protective nets and sheets used during construction didn’t meet fire safety standards. An expert also points to the building structures as a building a possible factor. NHK spoke to the head of the Japan Association of Fire Protection Engineers. He says there are many indentations in the outer walls and that the floor plan is extremely jagged. These depressions from vertical cavities similar to chimneys which may have accelerated the upward flow of the air. Local media report that Hong Kong authorities have launched in investigation into possible negligence linked to the largescale repair project. Officials say they will carry out a detailed investigation once conditions allow. Yes, and hopefully the people affected by this will get some answers soon. Thanks for this Mayu. to
As firefighters bring the massive blaze at a tower block complex in Hong Kong under control, attention shifts to what caused the fire that’s feared to have killed hundreds. NHK World’s Yoshida Mayu reports from the scene.
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