Hong Kong, Nov 27 (UNI) At least 44 people have died and 279 remain missing after a massive fire tore through public housing apartments in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, in what authorities say could be the city’s deadliest blaze since World War II.
Rescue teams continue to search the charred high-rise buildings, some of which are still ablaze hours after the inferno began. The complex, home to a large number of elderly residents, has raised fears that the death toll could rise further, CNN reported.
Authorities have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter, accusing them of “gross negligence” linked to the outbreak of the fire. Details about their involvement have not yet been disclosed.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that all campaigning activities ahead of the upcoming Legislative Council (Legco) elections have been suspended as the government is prioritising the disaster response.
“The top priority is to put out the fire and rescue trapped residents. The second task is to treat the wounded, the third is to handle the aftermath, and then we’ll undergo a comprehensive investigation,” the city’s chief executive John Lee told reporters at an early morning briefing, according to Radio Television Hong Kong.
“We have suspended promotional activities for the Legco elections, as well as forums,” Lee told reporters, according to public broadcaster RTHK.
“The government is dedicated to handling this major disaster. Our priority now is to handle the blaze.”
The election, scheduled for December 7, is the second since Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul in 2021 that mandated only “patriots” loyal to Beijing could hold office. Lee indicated he has not ruled out delaying the polls, saying a decision would be made in the coming days.
News of the fire dominated social media in mainland China, with posts on Weibo—China’s X-like platform—surpassing one billion views.
Users expressed heartbreak over the loss of life and questioned how such a catastrophic incident could occur in a city known for high construction standards. “Oh my, seeing the death toll really makes me want to cry,” one user wrote in a widely shared post.
Firefighters and emergency teams worked through the night as they searched for survivors trapped inside the towers. Officials have warned that the final toll may rise further once crews gain access to the most damaged sections of the buildings.
BBC reported that three executives from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, after authorities said flammable materials, including mesh and plastic sheets, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the Hong Kong high-rise fire.
