The death toll in the massive blaze that swept through several high-rise buildings in a Hong Kong apartment complex has risen to 55, the city’s fire department said Thursday at a news conference.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee told reporters earlier that at least 279 people were missing. A firefighter was among those killed in the fire, authorities said.
Firefighters managed to bring many of the fires under control Thursday and have begun searching the blackened high-rises in Tai Po, a northeastern district in Hong Kong’s New Territories. The apartment buildings at Wang Fuk Court are 31 stories high and housed more than 4,600 people, according to a 2021 census.
At least 80 people had been taken to hospitals as of 4 p.m. Thursday local time, local media reported, citing the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Of them, 13 were in critical condition and 28 were said to be in serious condition. At least 900 people have been displaced and are taking refuge at temporary shelters, the South China Morning Post reported.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but Hong Kong police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire Wednesday, according to the South China Morning Post. Officials said the fire appeared to have spread with unusual speed, perhaps because of foam material used in ongoing renovations.
Lee on Thursday ordered inspections of all Hong Kong public housing estates that are undergoing significant renovations. Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has also set up a task force to investigate whether any misconduct occurred during the renovation of the Tai Po apartment complex.
At least 1,250 firefighters have been mobilized in response to the blaze, including 26 search-and-rescue teams, the city’s fire department said.
“They have never given up on rescuing more victims,” said Wong Ka-wing, deputy director of fire services, at the news conference Thursday. “At this point, they will not guess what the chances of survival are for the remaining people who have called for help. Instead, they will give their utmost effort.”
Victoria Craw contributed to this report.
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