Hong Kong fire update: 44 dead, over 250 missing after fire ravages 7 high-rise buildings

At least 44 people died and almost 300 others could not be found after a huge fire swept through a group of tall apartment buildings in Hong Kong. It was the city’s worst fire in about 30 years. The buildings were covered with bamboo scaffolding, which caught fire very quickly. The fire started on Wednesday afternoon on the outside of a 32-storey building that was being repaired. Because the scaffolding and safety netting could burn easily, the flames spread fast to seven nearby towers in the same housing complex. Strong winds made the fire even worse, and thick smoke spread across the Tai Po area in the New Territories.

Many residents, including older people, had to rush out of their homes as burning pieces of bamboo and debris fell to the ground. Around 900 people were taken to temporary shelters while firefighters tried to control the blaze. More than 140 fire engines and 60 ambulances were sent to the scene. Local media also reported that police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident.