The death toll from a catastrophic fire at a Hong Kong residential complex has tragically climbed to 44, with hundreds still missing. Firefighters are engaged in a desperate struggle to contain the blaze and evacuate residents from engulfed high-rise towers. In a swift response, three individuals have been arrested, including company directors and a construction consultant, on suspicion of gross negligence. Preliminary findings indicate that highly flammable polystyrene insulation boards, used to cover windows, played a critical role in the rapid escalation of the fire. Authorities are also scrutinizing other construction materials, such as netting, canvas, and plastic sheeting, for potential non-compliance with safety regulations. The fire ravaged seven of the complex’s eight towers, which are home to numerous elderly individuals, and persisted for around 16 hours. The incident, which began in Tai Po, has seen fire crews focusing their efforts on the most heavily damaged sections. The presence of extremely flammable polystyrene panels blocking windows was identified as a key factor in the fire’s swift and widespread destruction. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive has assured the public of a comprehensive review of building fire safety standards and vowed to hold negligent parties legally accountable.
