At least 44 people were killed and 45 injured in a fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Police Force said at a Thursday press briefing.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said early Thursay that the fire at Wang Fuk Court had been gradually brought under control following tireless efforts by firefighters.
Speaking at a press briefing, Lee said around 279 people remained missing, while 29 were hospitalised, including seven in critical condition. He expressed deep sadness over the unfolding situation.
He said that from the outside, three buildings showed no visible flames, while four others had only sporadic fire spots.
Lee emphasised that the government would mobilise all resources to fully support rescue operations. He instructed departments and units to carry out comprehensive tasks, including extinguishing the fire, rescuing trapped residents, treating the injured, assisting affected families, providing emotional support, and conducting a full investigation into the disaster.
The Fire Services Department received the first report of the fire at around 2:51 p.m. on Wednesday. Owing to the intensity of the blaze, the alert level was raised to a No. 5 alarm at 6:22 p.m. Rescue operations continued through the night.
Wang Fuk Court comprises eight residential buildings, and the fire had spread from one block to seven others.
The Hong Kong Hospital Authority activated its Major Incident Control Centre as the situation escalated.
The Education Bureau deployed educational psychologists and related staff to temporary shelters to support affected students. Several schools in the district will remain closed on Thursday.
At one of the temporary shelters, personnel from the Home Affairs Department, Civil Aid Service, Care Teams, and the Police Force coordinated efforts to help evacuees.
Lam Yick Kuen, a Tai Po Care Team member and district councillor, said many organisations and individuals had stepped forward with voluntary donations, reflecting strong community solidarity.
Near midnight, a Hong Kong resident, Ho, arrived at the fire scene pulling a small cart loaded with water bottles to distribute to firefighters and staff. Drenched in sweat, he moved around asking if anyone needed a drink. (Agencies)
