The death toll from the raging fire across multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong has risen to 55, with 279 individuals yet unaccounted for. According to China's official media reports on Thursday, this information has come to light. The state news agency Xinhua reported that Hong Kong police have arrested three individuals on suspicion of arson connected to the fire at Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, confirmed that 279 people remain unaccounted for in what has become Hong Kong's most devastating fire in history. Several high-rise buildings were involved. According to a report from the South China Morning Post, at least 68 individuals are currently hospitalized, with conditions critical for 16 of them, while 25 are considered seriously injured.
Understanding the Fire's Origins
Police investigations have revealed that the protective nets, waterproof canvases, and plastic coverings over the buildings may not have met the necessary fire-resistant standards. The report indicated that authorities found the use of polyurethane foam to seal the window lift lobbies in a non-affected building within the residential area, pointing out the presence of flammable materials as a potential cause for the rapid spread of the fire.
The three individuals taken into custody were officials from a construction company responsible for the usage of these materials during building renovations. The suspects, aged between 52 and 68, include two company directors and a project consultant, whose gross negligence resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Xi Jinping’s Directives
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences over the tragic fire in a residential building on Wednesday night. He instructed officials to exert every possible effort in extinguishing the blaze. President Xi sought immediate and comprehensive updates on the rescue efforts and the toll on lives.
As per the reports from Xinhua, President Xi has directed the CPC Central Committee’s Hong Kong and Macau work office and its liaison office to do everything possible to extinguish the fire, facilitate search and rescue efforts, treat the injured, and assist the government in consoling the victims' families.
