Hong Kong’s dealiest fire in 17 years kills over 40, hundreds missing

Earlier on Wednesday, a massive fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kong. The fire is believed to have spread through bamboo scaffolding on the outside of the buildings. The Hong Kong Fire Department has classified the fire as a level-five alarm, the deadliest in 17 years.

According to reports, at least 44 people have died, while 45 are in critical condition. The remaining 279 residents are still missing.

Three people have been taken into custody, two directors of a construction firm and one engineering consultant, on the basis of responsibility for deaths caused by negligence and unsafe actions.

While the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, police reported that plastic sheets and mesh found on the building’s windows may have allowed the fire to spread quickly, as they did not appear to be fireproof.

Residents from the affected area were temporarily moved to shelters provided by the authorities. However, this morning, smoke is still rising from some of the towers.

The situation is under control in four of the eight buildings. Fire rescue teams say it might take the whole day to fully bring the fire under control.