Death toll rises to 44 in Hong Kong high-rise fire, 279 still missing

Beijing: The death toll from a devastating fire in multiple high-rise towers in Hong Kong has risen to 44, with 279 people still reported missing, according to Chinese official media on Thursday.

Hong Kong Police said three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the blaze, which broke out at Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee described it as the worst fire in the city’s history involving multiple high-rise residential blocks. At least 45 people were injured in the incident.

Police investigations suggested that the protective nets, waterproof canvas, and plastic coverings used on the buildings may not have met fireproof standards. They also found polyurethane foam used to seal windows of elevator lobbies in an unaffected building, identifying the highly flammable material as a possible reason for the rapid spread of the fire.

The three men arrested, two company directors and a project consultant aged between 52 and 68, are executives of the construction firm responsible for installing the materials during renovation work. Authorities said their gross negligence may have contributed to the high casualty count.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences over the tragedy on Wednesday night and directed authorities to make every effort to control the fire. He sought updates on rescue operations and casualties, and instructed the director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong to convey his sympathies to Chief Executive John Lee.

Xi also directed the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Liaison Office to support the HKSAR government in search and rescue operations, treatment of the injured, and comforting victims’ families, Xinhua reported.

With PTI inputs