Hong Kong, November 27: The death toll resulting from a massive fire in a multi-story residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 55, with 279 people still reported missing. Chinese state media confirmed these figures on Thursday, highlighting the scale of the tragedy that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee termed the incident the worst high-rise fire in the history of the city. Local media reports indicate that at least 68 people have been admitted to hospitals, with 16 in critical condition and 25 others listed as serious, as per agency report.
The Hong Kong Police Force announced during a press conference that three men have been arrested in connection with the blaze. Police investigations revealed that the protective nets, waterproof canvas, and plastic sheets installed on the buildings during renovation work likely did not meet the necessary fire safety standards.
The three arrested individuals are officials from the construction company responsible for installing these materials. The suspects, aged between 52 and 68, include two company directors and a project consultant. Authorities believe that their gross negligence contributed to the significant loss of life.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences regarding the severe fire on Wednesday night and instructed officials to make every possible effort to extinguish the flames. He directed the central agencies to provide full assistance to the Hong Kong government in fire fighting, search and rescue operations, and the treatment of the injured.
