Firefighting operations at the residential complex engulfed in Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in more than 70 years have formally ended, authorities said on Friday.
Authorities also confirmed death toll climbed to 94 and dozens of people remained unaccounted for.
The Fire Services Department reported that the flames were “largely extinguished” by 10:18 am local time, bringing an end to an effort that began when the fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon.
It was said that he eight-tower complex, home to more than 4,600 residents, had been under renovation and shrouded in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh when the blaze rapidly spread.
Police have arrested three construction company officials on suspicion of manslaughter.
Investigators allege they used unsafe materials, including flammable foam boards that were found blocking windows.
Despite declaring the fire out, crews continued combing through the still-smouldering towers on Friday, forcing entry into flats to ensure no one was left inside.
“We’ll endeavour to effect forcible entry to all the units… to ensure there are no other possible casualties,” Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Chan told reporters.
Firefighters were seen moving through apartments one by one as anxious families waited for news.
As many as 279 people were listed as missing early on Thursday, though the figure has not been updated for more than a day.
Crews had fought through searing heat, thick smoke and collapsing scaffolding as they tried to reach residents trapped on upper floors.
On Thursday, a distraught mother was seen holding her daughter’s graduation photograph as she searched for her at a temporary shelter.
Authorities said eight shelters were accommodating around 900 residents.
The Hospital Authority confirmed on Friday that 94 people were dead, among them two Indonesian domestic workers.
Hong Kong is home to about 368,000 live-in domestic helpers, many from lower-income Asian countries.
The tragedy is now the city’s deadliest fire since a 1948 warehouse blaze that killed 176 people.
It has drawn comparisons with London’s Grenfell Tower disaster of 2017, which claimed 72 lives.
Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, said a HK$300m (£30m) relief fund would be established for affected families. Several major Chinese companies have also pledged donations.
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