Hong Kong Tai Po High Rise Apartment Fire Cause, Death Trolls, Missing, Rescue Operation Latest News Updates Today
The death toll in the Hong Kong fire has risen to 44 so far (Photo: AP).Hong Kong Fire LIVE Updates: A raging fire in Hong Kong’s New Territories burned through the night, becoming the city’s deadliest blaze in decades and leaving at least 44 people dead. Another 279 residents were unaccounted for as rescue teams continued pulling survivors from high-rise apartments into Thursday morning. The fire erupted in Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po drict. Police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter on Wednesday afternoon. early Thursday, firefighting crews were still battling the flames, which had not yet been extinguished.
The Hong Kong fire swept across seven of the eight residential blocks in the Wang Fuk Court complex, forcing hundreds to flee as flames and thick smoke poured from windows. Officials said 40 of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. At least 62 people were injured, many with burns or smoke inhalation. Authorities believe the blaze spread unusually fast, possibly because exterior wall materials may not have met required fire resance standards. Investigators also discovered highly flammable Styrofoam installed outside windows near lift lobbies in the one tower that did not catch fire. Police said the material was likely placed there a construction firm.Story continues below this ad
“We suspect serious negligence on the part of those responsible at the company,” said senior police superintendent Eileen Chung was reported as saying news agency AP. The arrested men, aged between 52 and 68, include two company directors and an engineering consultant. Thursday morning, firefighters said the situation in four of the towers was “coming under control.” Officials believe the fire started on external scaffolding of a 32-storey building before moving inside and then spreading to near blocks, helped strong winds.
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