A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 44 people, making it the deadliest in more than 60 years. More than 270 have been reported missing and thousands of residents are in evacuation shelters.
Pictures show several buildings ablaze, with thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating the Chinese territory's skyline. As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with over 760 firefighters deployed to the scene.
Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to the fire, as an investigation has been launched. Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered condolences to the victims, acknowledging the bravery of a firefighter who died in the line of duty.
The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex in the Tai Po district, affecting seven of the eight tower blocks. Reports indicate that the buildings, constructed in 1983 and undergoing renovations, were enveloped by bamboo scaffolding that aided the rapid spread of the flames.
Authorities have classified the blaze as a level five alarm, the highest severity, which has not occurred in Hong Kong for 17 years. Reports have revealed that explosions could be heard from within and that firefighters struggled against intense heat and debris.
The death toll rose dramatically from 13 to 36 by early Thursday morning, and by the time officials reported in it, the casualties reached 44. Additionally, multiple individuals are in critical condition in hospitals, with police helping locals locate missing loved ones.
Emergency shelters have been established, with some already filled, demonstrating the scale of the disaster. Hong Kong police have set up a hotline for families to inquire about the missing, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether safety laxities contributed to the fire's severity.
The use of bamboo scaffolding, a long-standing practice in the region, is now under scrutiny with discussions about its safety amidst this tragic event, which bears resemblance to past calamities in Hong Kong's history.
