Firefighters are still searching for hundreds of missing people after a massive fire tore through multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong.
At least 65 people died in the blaze - the city's deadliest in more than 70 years - at Wang Fuk Court's complex, which is home to thousands.
The tower blocks had been undergoing extensive renovations - and while the exact cause of the fire is unclear, police say materials on the outside of the buildings may have facilitated its spread.
Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence, and Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee has vowed to launch a comprehensive investigation.
The fire, which tore through seven of eight tower blocks in Tai Po district, started at 14:51 local time with flames and thick clouds of grey smoke visible from a long distance. As a result of the fire, ten additional firefighters sustained injuries, while the death of firefighter Ho Wai-ho marked a heartbreaking moment for the community.
More than 270 people remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue. Lee reported that the fire is now basically under control but raised concerns that dangerous debris and the risk of collapsed scaffolding hinder the efforts.
The local mood shifted from shock to anguish, with social media igniting discussions about safety practices during construction and whether renovation protocols led to the fire's rapid escalation.
Residents reported that many fire alarms were disabled for renovation work, raising further concerns about building safety and accountability. The Independent Commission Against Corruption is set to investigate the case, with implications for future renovation projects in Hong Kong.
An immediate review of safety standards for high-rise buildings in the city is anticipated as investigations unfold, aiming to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
