The death toll from the massive fire at a 31-story residential tower in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen to 44, with 45 injured and 279 people still missing. The blaze, which spread through the Wang Fuk Court complex during renovation work, intensified due to bamboo scaffolding and non–fire-resistant exterior materials.
Police have detained three construction company members on suspicion of “gross negligence,” saying their actions led to the disaster. Chinese President Xi Jinping allocated 2 million yuan in emergency aid as search efforts continue. The incident is now Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 63 years.