Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested three men in connection with a devastating fire that killed 44 people and left 279 people reported missing in the Tai Po district on Wednesday.
According to the New York Post, the blaze tore through seven of eight buildings at a local housing complex, which elderly residents primarily occupied. The men arrested include two construction company directors and a consultant, who were taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence in connection with the tragedy.
Fire Engulfs Housing Complex, Leaving Dozens Dead
Witnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly throughout the housing complex, giving residents little time to escape. Many survivors described waking up to thick smoke and extreme heat, with some narrowly making it out alive.
Residents told local reporters that bamboo scaffolding, which surrounded the buildings for ongoing construction work, intensified the flames and made rescue efforts more difficult. Bamboo scaffolding has been largely phased out in Hong Kong due to safety concerns, but remnants of the outdated material were reportedly still in use at the site.
Investigators said early evidence suggests that construction materials used in the building failed to meet safety standards, which may have contributed to the intensity of the blaze.
The two arrested construction directors and the consultant are suspected of overseeing the building materials and renovations in violation of fire safety codes. Officials added that the construction work was meant to improve safety and insulation in the housing complex, but the materials used may have made conditions more dangerous.
Firefighters worked for hours to contain the inferno, while hundreds of emergency personnel searched for missing residents amid the charred remains of the complex.
Ongoing Investigation Into Cause of the Fire
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with forensic teams working to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether negligence or illegal construction practices played a role.
As of now, hundreds remain unaccounted for, and officials have warned that the death toll could rise in the coming days as recovery efforts continue.