A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s tai Po district has claimed 44 lives, including one firefighter, as of Wednesday evening, authorities reported.
The blaze, which erupted in seven residential buildings exceeding 30 stories, underscores the critical importance of stringent fire safety regulations in densely populated urban environments and raises questions about building maintenance practices. The incident has prompted immediate investigations and arrests, with potential long-term implications for construction standards across the region.
Firefighters continue to battle flames in three of the affected buildings,while having successfully contained the fire in the remaining four. Fifteen individuals are currently hospitalized in critical condition.
Of the 279 people initially unaccounted for, 72 have been confirmed safe, according to local media. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate those still missing.
The origin of the fire remains undetermined, though reports suggest the blaze rapidly spread via bamboo scaffolding erected for extensive repair and maintenance work on the buildings.
Fire authorities are examining whether protective netting used on the structures adhered to necessary fire-safety protocols.They are also investigating the potential role of styrene foam used in the buildings’ construction as a contributing factor to the fire’s swift propagation.
Police have taken three individuals from the responsible construction company into custody, including senior personnel, on suspicion of negligence leading to the deaths.
