Hong Kong: The death toll from the massive high rise fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong has risen to at least 44 as rescuers continue searching for hundreds of missing residents. Officials say around 279 people are still unaccounted for, making it one of the worst disasters in the city in nearly three decades.
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning in one of the residential towers of the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex. The buildings were undergoing renovation and were covered in bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting. Firefighters say the blaze spread unusually fast, moving from the exterior scaffolding into multiple upper floor apartments.
Dozens of people were injured and many remain in critical condition in hospitals. More than 900 residents have been moved to temporary shelters as the damaged buildings remain unsafe.
Hong Kong authorities confirmed that three men linked to the renovation project have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Those detained include senior figures from the construction company managing the repair works. Investigators say they are looking into whether non fire resistant materials, including foam insulation and plastic cladding, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Residents who escaped the fire described scenes of panic as thick smoke filled hallways, staircases and lifts stopped working and emergency exits became blocked. Many families were trapped inside their homes as the fire burned through outer walls lined with scaffolding.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the government has ordered a full public safety review and promised support to affected families. Fire services officials say the investigation will examine whether the safety procedures required during renovation were properly followed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged authorities to spare no effort in rescue and relief operations. He also called for a rapid and thorough investigation to prevent similar tragedies.
The disaster has raised serious questions about building safety standards in Hong Kong, especially in older high rise estates undergoing repairs. Bamboo scaffolding is a traditional method widely used in the city, but experts and engineers now say it may need reform or stricter fire protection.
Several community groups and lawmakers have called for an immediate halt to similar renovation projects across the city until safety checks are completed. Families of missing residents have also asked the government to release clearer information on the ongoing rescue work and the identities of recovered victims.
As night falls in Tai Po, firefighters and rescue teams continue their efforts, searching burned apartments one by one. Many relatives have gathered outside nearby emergency shelters, waiting for news of loved ones.
For now, the city continues to grieve while hoping that more survivors will be found.