Hong Kong, Nov 27 (IANS):
The deadly fire that swept through a residential complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday afternoon has claimed 55 lives, the Fire Services Department (FSD) confirmed on Thursday.
According to officials, 72 people were injured and taken to hospitals, including eight firefighters. More than 200 residents remain unaccounted for.
The FSD deployed 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles and used drones to track heat levels and prevent flare-ups. Flames have been extinguished in four buildings at the Wang Fuk Court complex, while the remaining three are under control, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Wang Fuk Court comprises eight buildings, all wrapped in green mesh and scaffolding for an ongoing renovation project. Police have arrested three men involved in the renovations on suspicion of manslaughter, citing flammable construction materials as a likely factor behind the rapid spread of the fire.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in the early hours of Thursday that firefighters had made significant progress. He noted that approximately 279 people were still missing, and 29 remained hospitalised, including seven in critical condition. Lee expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
He added that three buildings no longer showed visible flames, and the other four exhibited only sporadic hotspots. Lee said the government is mobilising all resources for rescue efforts, including extinguishing the fire, rescuing trapped residents, treating the injured, assisting families, and ensuring a full investigation.
The FSD received the initial alert at 2:51 p.m. on Wednesday and escalated the blaze to a No. 5 alarm at 6:22 p.m. Rescue operations continue.
The Education Bureau has dispatched educational psychologists and support staff to temporary shelters, and several schools in the district will remain closed on Thursday. At shelters, personnel from multiple government departments and volunteer teams have been coordinating relief efforts.
Acts of community solidarity have also emerged. At one shelter, Tai Po district councillor and Care Team member Lam Yick Kuen said many groups and individuals had voluntarily donated supplies. Near midnight, a local resident, identified as Ho, was seen distributing water to exhausted firefighters and staff.
