Hong Kong apartment fire: Death toll rises to 146

(VOVWORLD) -The death toll in the fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong (China) has risen to 146 as of Sunday afternoon, authorities said, adding a further 100 people were unaccounted for and 79 had been injured.

The board with the words "rest in peace" written by people is placed next to bouquets of flowers to commemorate the victims. Photo: VNA

Long lines of people from all over Hong Kong placed flowers near the scene of the fire, prayed and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

Emergency assistance to families affected by the fire is still ongoing, with donations totaling 141 million USD so far. The Hong Kong Buildings Department has ordered a halt to 28 construction projects by the same contractor Prestige Construction & Engineering.