Hong Kong fire last update

The level-5 deadly fire that devastated the Wang Fuk Court residential towers in Tai Po, Hong Kong, is still partially active, 20 hours after the first report to police.

Hong Kong’s governor, John Lee, said in the early morning hours that the flames had been brought under control “thanks to the tireless efforts of the firefighters,” CE Report quotes ANSA.

The dramatic, still provisional toll reports at least 44 dead, 279 missing, and many dozens injured, including 45 in serious condition. It is one of the worst incidents to ever hit Hong Kong, fuelled unexpectedly by the green metal mesh and bamboo scaffolding surrounding each building in the residential complex as part of ongoing renovation works.

Lee told the media that from the outside three buildings no longer showed visible flames, while “sporadic pockets of fire” were still detected in four others, assuring that the city government will mobilise “all resources to fully support the rescue operations.”

The instructions given to departments and units are “to carry out comprehensive work,” including the complete extinguishing of the fire, rescuing trapped residents, caring for the injured, providing support and emotional assistance to families, and conducting a full investigation into the incident, Lee added, according to local media.

Eileen Chung, superintendent of the Hong Kong police, said that three men from the construction company responsible for the renovation of the buildings were arrested on manslaughter charges in connection with the fire. Rescue operations are still ongoing at Wang Fuk Court, which consists of eight residential towers, seven of which have been engulfed by the flames.