At least 44 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed a public-housing block in the Tai Po District of Hong Kong, authorities confirmed today. Meanwhile, 279 residents remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the toll may yet rise.
The inferno broke out at Wang Fuk Court, where more than 800 firefighters have been battling the blaze for over 18 hours. The fire has been classified as a level-five blaze, the highest and most serious fire classification in Hong Kong.
In a dramatic late-night rescue, firefighters managed to save a baby and an elderly woman, according to local media reports — though many others remain missing.
In a significant development, three construction-company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, as investigators examine whether highly flammable materials — including mesh and plastic sheeting — contributed to the fire’s rapid and deadly spread.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and they warn that the final death toll may increase as rescue workers continue to comb through the wreckage and accounting for missing residents.
The tragedy has shocked the city and drawn widespread concern over building safety standards, materials used in construction, and emergency response preparedness, issues that are now under intense public and governmental scrutiny.
