Fire: Hong Kong skyscraper fire: dozens dead and hundreds missing

– After a major fire at a housing complex in Hong Kong, the death toll increased to at least 44 people. Another 45 people were in critical condition, Hong Kong authorities said. In addition, about 280 residents are still missing, said Prime Minister John Lee. Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter who was found unconscious at the scene and died in hospital.

The fire broke out on Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district and quickly spread through several high-rise buildings. Authorities declared alert level five – the highest category. Firefighters reported extreme temperatures on the upper floors and difficult conditions while fighting the fire. Firefighting work also continued during the night; The fire is now under control in four of the eight apartment blocks.

Arrest on suspicion of negligent homicide

The cause of the fire was initially unclear. Authorities specifically checked the safety standards of traditional bamboo scaffolding and the protective nets attached to it, which were installed throughout the building for the renovation work. In this context, three men – according to media reports, two directors and a technical advisor of a construction company – were arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide.

Investigators found the windows were made of polystyrene panels – a highly flammable plastic often used as insulation material – and some of them were blocked, and the building materials may have been of inferior quality. Both could have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Dramatic scene at night

According to reports citing the fire brigade, the fire has destroyed seven apartment blocks in the complex. On Wednesday afternoon, several calls were received from people trapped in their homes. The area includes eight residential buildings, each 32 floors, and almost 2,000 apartments. Therefore, all buildings are surrounded by scaffolding for renovation work.

Photos and videos from the scene showed large plumes of smoke rising from high-rise residential buildings. It was also seen that the facade scaffolding was burning on several floors and burnt parts had fallen to the ground. Apart from that, the source of the fire was also visible in each apartment. Hong Kong Police set up a telephone service so that the public could obtain information about the victims.

Hundreds of emergency services on site

Prime Minister Lee said the fire brigade was “gradually bringing the fire under control” and all available forces had been mobilized. Chinese state and party leader Xi Jinping offered condolences from Beijing, Chinese state television reported. He assured the special administrative regions to provide support.

As the South China Morning Post reported, more than 800 firefighters and paramedics were deployed in more than 140 vehicles.