Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 128, officials say

LONDON — The death toll from the massive fire at a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong rose to 128 as of Friday, as search and rescue efforts continued.

Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung announced the new death toll on Friday, but warned that more bodies may still be found.

Three men associated with the construction company tasked with renovating the housing complex have been arrested and are under investigation in connection with the fire, Hong Kong police said during a news conference early Thursday morning.

Police suspect that the mesh used during the renovation was not up to standard and the company installed a large amount of Styrofoam on the windows and exterior walls, which acted as an accelerant once the fire started, police said.

The mesh and Styrofoam were found in the only building that was not affected by the fire, police said.

More than 140 fire trucks and more than 800 firefighters and paramedics were deployed Wednesday to respond to the blaze, and drones were also used, officials said.

Some 279 people have been reported missing, Hong Kong leader John Lee said during a news conference Thursday.

“The fire has caused many casualties, including a firefighter who died in the line of duty,” Lee said in an earlier statement posted on social media. “I express my deep sadness and deepest condolences to the families of the dead and injured.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims and those affected in a statement.

He said he ordered authorities to “make every effort to ensure search and rescue operations, medical treatment of the injured and post-disaster relief, and provide necessary assistance to relevant departments and local authorities to minimize casualties and losses.”

ABC News’ Karson Yiu, Ellie Kaufman, Will Gretsky and Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.