More than 40 dead and 279 missing

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 in northern Hong Kong, today, Wednesday, 26 this month. With at least 44 people dead and 279 others missing, it is considered the country’s deadliest fire since World War II.

More than 15 hours after the fire broke out, firefighters are still working to contain the fire. About 279 people are still missing.

The fire swept through the Wang Fook Court residential complex in Tai Po. The residential complex, which was under renovation, consists of eight 31-storey towers containing about 2,000 apartments, where about 4,800 people live.

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.

According to The GuardianHong Kong is one of the last places in the world where bamboo is widely used in construction

Liability for fire

In the midst of investigations, three men, aged between 52 and 68, 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, and the majority of residents are 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.