HONG KONG: At least 44 people have died in a massive fire that has engulfed apartment buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, and 279 residents remain unaccounted for.
Three executives from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with flammable materials, such as bamboo and polystyrene foam, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, according to BBC.
Over 800 firefighters are currently battling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which has been burning for more than 18 hours. The fire has been classified as a level five incident, the highest severity in Hong Kong.
Emergency operations late last night led to the rescue of a baby and an elderly woman, according to local media.
The government has paid tribute to a 37-year-old firefighter who died while fighting the fire, calling him “dedicated and gallant.”
Meanwhile, residents have appealed to local authorities for assistance after losing contact with family members trapped in the buildings, a local councilor said.
(Inputs from BBC)
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