A horrific blaze in Hong Kong’s Tai Po area has caused a major tragedy, leaving at least 44 people dead while 279 others are still unaccounted for. The fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex and rapidly escalated, tearing across seven residential buildings and causing widespread devastation. The flames spread quickly through bamboo scaffolding and construction material that surrounded the buildings.
Firefighters struggled for more than 18 hours to get the situation under control, and authorities later classified it as a level-five emergency — the highest category in Hong Kong’s fire classification system. Over 800 firefighters and rescue workers were deployed, while dozens of victims were rushed to hospitals. Reports indicate that at least 45 individuals remain in critical condition.
Authorities are now investigating what caused the fire, and early findings suggest that flammable construction materials, including plastic sheets and mesh, may have played a role in accelerating the blaze. In connection with these suspicions, three officials from a construction company have already been taken into custody on manslaughter charges.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visited the affected site and expressed deep concern, while Chinese President Xi Jinping has also offered condolences and ordered authorities to minimize further loss of life.
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