At least 44 dead in Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades as blaze continues to burn. Three suspects arrested for manslaughter, hundreds remain unaccounted for
HONG KONG: The death toll from a high-rise fire in Hong Kong has risen to at least 44 as the blaze continued to smoulder on Thursday.
Police confirmed three men were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the city’s worst fire in decades.
Hundreds of residents remain unaccounted for following Wednesday’s devastating blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
The fire erupted in an eight-building complex containing 2,000 apartment units during estate-wide maintenance work.
Huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding covering several residential blocks in the northern district.
A 65-year-old resident surnamed Yuen described his devastation at the loss of property and life, including one firefighter.
“The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn’t know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours,” Yuen told AFP.
More than 900 people sought refuge at temporary shelters as the fire continued to burn.
Deputy director of fire service operations Derek Armstrong Chan reported extreme temperatures preventing rescue efforts.
“The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where we have been unable to reach people who requested help, but we will keep trying,” Chan said.
Authorities will launch a probe into the fire and exterior materials that may have accelerated its spread.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to victims and the firefighter who died in the line of duty.
City leader John Lee said he was “deeply saddened” and all government departments were assisting affected residents.
The fire likely spread between buildings due to wind and drifting debris, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Residents were evacuated via large coaches while adjacent blocks were also cleared as a precaution.
Deadly fires were once common in densely populated Hong Kong but have become rare due to improved safety measures. – AFP
