Chief Executive John Lee has announced a comprehensive investigation into the catastrophic blaze that has engulfed a high-rise residential complex in the Tai Po district.
As emergency services battled the flames for a second consecutive day on Thursday, authorities confirmed that the tragedy has claimed at least 44 lives.
Thick plumes of smoke continued to billow from the Wang Fuk Court complex on Thursday morning, serving as a grim backdrop to Lee’s address. The complex, located in a northern suburb near the border with the mainland, has been the scene of intense rescue operations since the fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon.
Special Task Force Established
Speaking to reporters in the early hours of Thursday, Lee confirmed that the government is mobilizing resources to determine the cause of the disaster.
“The Police Force and the Fire Services Department have established a special task force to conduct a comprehensive investigation,” the Chief Executive stated.
Casualties and Arrests
The human cost of the disaster has risen sharply. While initial briefings reported 36 casualties, officials have since updated the death toll to 44. Among the deceased is a firefighter who lost his life during the operation.
In addition to the fatalities, at least 62 people have sustained injuries, with many receiving treatment for severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Law enforcement has moved quickly in response to the incident. Police have arrested three individuals—identified as two directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company—on suspicion of manslaughter.
Status of the Blaze
The fire, which spread rapidly across seven of the complex’s eight towers, continues to challenge first responders. By Thursday morning, fire services reported that the situation in four of the towers had been brought under control, though efforts to fully extinguish the inferno and locate survivors remain ongoing.
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