A devastating fire that ripped through a residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has claimed at least 44 lives, marking the city's deadliest blaze in decades. The massive inferno at Wang Fuk Court has left hundreds missing and prompted the arrest of three individuals as rescue operations continue through the night.
Deadly Blaze Spreads Rapidly Through Residential Complex
The fire erupted on Wednesday evening and continued burning through the night, with firefighters battling the flames well into Thursday morning. The death toll has risen to 44, with 40 victims pronounced dead at the scene itself. The blaze affected seven of the eight residential blocks in the Wang Fuk Court complex, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as flames and thick smoke engulfed the buildings.
According to officials, 279 residents remain unaccounted for as rescue teams work tirelessly to pull survivors from high-rise apartments. The injured count stands at 62 people, many suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Firefighting crews reported that the situation in four of the towers was gradually "coming under control" by Thursday morning.
Investigation Reveals Serious Safety Lapses
Authorities suspect that the fire spread with unusual speed, potentially due to exterior wall materials that may not have met required fire resistance standards. Investigators made a crucial discovery in the one tower that escaped the flames - highly flammable Styrofoam installed outside windows near lift lobbies.
Police confirmed that three men aged between 52 and 68 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The arrested include two company directors and an engineering consultant. Senior police superintendent Eileen Chung stated, "We suspect serious negligence on the part of those responsible at the company," indicating the material was likely placed by a construction firm.
Rescue Operations and Ongoing Investigation
Officials believe the fire originated on external scaffolding of a 32-storey building before moving inside and then spreading to nearby blocks, aided by strong winds. The scale of the disaster has prompted large-scale rescue efforts, with teams working through the night to reach trapped residents.
The Hong Kong fire has become the city's worst fire incident in recent memory, raising serious questions about building safety standards and construction materials. As investigation continues, authorities are focusing on the role of flammable materials in accelerating the blaze's spread through the residential complex.
