Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has sent a condolence letter to Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, expressing sympathy on behalf of the Singapore government over the fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

Deeply saddened by loss of lives

In the letter on Nov. 28, PM Wong said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives” and extended his heartfelt condolences to families who have lost loved ones, as well as those injured in the incident or hurt while rescuing others.

PM Wong also expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s fortitude, saying the city had consistently shown resilience “in the face of adversity” and would overcome this “tragic episode” with strength and determination.

Tai Po tragedy

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According to Hong Kong authorities, the blaze at Wang Fuk Court started on the afternoon of Nov. 26 and rapidly escalated into one of the city’s worst fires in decades.

The inferno tore through bamboo scaffolding and spread to seven residential blocks, leaving huge plumes of smoke billowing across the Tai Po neighbourhood.

Reuters reported that the death toll has climbed to 128 people, with a further 200 people still missing.

Three men arrested

Hong Kong police have arrested three men, two directors and one engineering consultant from the construction firm responsible for recent maintenance work on the building, on suspicion of manslaughter.

Authorities said they had reason to believe the company had been “grossly negligent”.

They allegedly used substandard flammable materials such as polystyrene and non-fireproof mesh on the building’s exterior and windows, which may have allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably.