Khaberni - The death toll from the massive fire that swept through the "Wang Fuk Court" residential area in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has risen to 44, while the fate of more than 200 others remains unknown.
Authorities said, "The number of victims has risen to 44 dead and 45 injured who were taken to hospitals, with about seven in critical condition. More than 200 people are still missing, raising concerns about an increase in the number of victims."
In a significant development, Hong Kong police revealed the arrest of three men suspected of involvement in involuntary manslaughter related to the fire. The police reported that a specialized team is gathering evidence and testimony, with full details to be presented at a press conference in the coming hours.
More than 700 people were forced to leave their homes overnight and were moved to emergency centers turned into temporary shelters. The suffering extended to victims sleeping on floor mats, while volunteers were active in distributing food, water, and necessary supplies.
Relief teams faced significant challenges in the evacuation operations due to the demographic composition of the complex, which houses about 4,000 people, 36% of whom are over the age of 65. The density of the smoke and the chaos of the night hindered evacuation operations, making them slow and difficult.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, described the fire as a "major disaster," confirming that the police would take legal action against any entity proven to be negligent in safety standards, whether during renovation works or in the installation of prevention equipment inside the towers.
