Tragedy in Hong Kong: The number of fire victims has risen to 44.

According to ТСН: In Hong Kong, a major fire has claimed the lives of 44 people. Rescue services are trying to reach residents who are trapped on the upper floors.

Details of the tragedy

According to the local fire service, 'the fire engulfed several high-rise buildings, resulting in at least 44 deaths, with another 279 reported missing.'

A police representative stated that three individuals have been arrested following the incident — two directors and an engineering consultant from the construction company. During a press conference, the police accused them of gross negligence.

About the scene

The fire began at Wang Fuk Court, a large residential complex in the Tai Po area. The complex consists of eight high-rise buildings, each with 31 floors.

The towers of the complex are covered with bamboo scaffolding up to the roof due to ongoing renovations. These structures, used in Hong Kong for many years, have become a hallmark of the local landscape. Hong Kong remains one of the few cities in the world where bamboo scaffolding is still used in modern construction.

Level of danger

The Hong Kong fire service classified this blaze as level five danger, the highest on the scale. The last level five incident in Hong Kong occurred 17 years ago.

Initially, four deaths were reported, but the number of casualties quickly rose to 14. There are concerns that the death toll may rise further.

This tragedy serves as another reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations in high-rise buildings, especially during renovations. Authorities promise a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.