Hong Kong high-rise death-toll jumps to 128

The Hong Kong government says that 128 people have been confirmed dead in a fire that broke out at a high-rise apartment complex. About 200 people are unaccounted for.

The blaze started to engulf seven of the eight apartment blocks at the site in the northern district of Tai Po on Wednesday. Each of the buildings has over 30 stories.

Local media say the fires have been largely extinguished in six of the towers.

The Hong Kong government on Thursday announced measures to support affected residents. They include authorities distributing financial aid to help them address their urgent needs.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown. But local media say the fire spread along bamboo scaffolding that had been put up for large-scale repair work.

Fire authorities say protective nets used for the work may not have met fire-safety standards. They have also not ruled out the possibility that a foam material used on 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.

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