Hong Kong fire arrests: Three arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after blaze in apartment complex kills 55 - families trying to identify victims
The death toll in Hong Kong’s worst fire in more than half a century has risen to at least 55.
The fire, spanning seven blocks of a high-rise housing complex, is still yet to be fully extinguished over 24 hours after it broke out in the northern Tai Po district, though officials say it has now been “contained” in the final three blocks. Police have arrested three construction company executives, two directors and one engineering consultant on suspicion of manslaughter.
Rescue teams are going floor-by-floor searching apartments for survivors in areas of the towers where the fire has been extinguished, and the death toll is expected to continue to rise. It is reported that more than 200 residents are still missing.
Wang Fuk Court is a 2,000-unit residential complex made up of eight blocks in total, and was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire. Experts say bamboo scaffolding likely allowed the fire to spread quickly between buildings.
John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, says the government may postpone a 7 December general election, calling the blaze a “massive catastrophe”. China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office says a task force has arrived in Hong Kong to assist with the ongoing fire rescue and response efforts.
Authorities say the team will support local services as search and recovery operations continue.