The complex contains eight buildings, and the majority of its residents are elderly people
-1jy7orqt0u4hi.png "Earth editorial"){kind=small}
summary
A fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong left 44 people dead, 279 missing, and three arrested, while firefighters are still working to control the fire that caused serious damage to buildings and displaced more than 700 people.
Video shows the destruction during the fire that struck a building in Hong Kong:
A major fire broke out in a residential complex consisting of eight buildings, in the Tai Po district, northern Hong Kong, on Wednesday 26. With at least 44 people killed, it is considered the deadliest fire in the country since World War II.
More than 15 hours after the fire broke out, firefighters are still working to contain the fire. More than 279 people are still missing.
What caused the fire?
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, the authorities reported that the fire broke out in the external scaffolding of a building. The manufacture of bamboo scaffolding may have helped fire spread more easily.
Another fact that raised astonishment among rescuers was the presence of flammable polystyrene sheets blocking the windows of many apartments.
Liability for fire
As part of the investigations, three men were arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide. They are employees of one of the companies that carried out maintenance work for the residential complex.
Firefighter work
The authorities mobilized 128 fire engines and 57 ambulances to the scene. The residential complex includes eight buildings and about 2,000 apartments, most of which are for elderly people. Currently, professionals face difficulties in reaching the upper floors. Among the victims was a firefighter.
Complex mode
As the fire continued throughout the day, firefighters reported that all buildings in the complex suffered significant damage. Windows and air conditioning units were shattered, while bamboo scaffolding was engulfed in flames.
What happened to the rescued residents?
To welcome the evacuated residents, the authorities converted a sports center into a temporary emergency shelter. More than 700 residents were displaced to the site. Volunteers bring water, supplies and clothing to the shelters.
However, some residents continue to closely monitor the work of firefighters, hoping they will be able to return to their homes.