HONG KONG – The devastation following the massive fire at a residential complex in Tai Po has deepened significantly, with authorities now confirming that at least 36 people have died.
In a sombre press briefing held moments ago, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced the sharp rise in fatalities. He also revealed a grim statistic regarding those unaccounted for: at least 279 residents are currently listed as missing.
Key Updates:
- Casualties: The death toll has risen from the previously reported 13 to 36.
- Missing Persons: Authorities are frantically trying to locate 279 individuals who have not yet been contacted or accounted for.
- Official Response: Chief Executive John Lee has pledged a full investigation and maximum resources for the ongoing rescue operation.
The blaze, which engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing estate on Wednesday, was fueled by bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building for renovations. The fire was classified as a “Level 5” incident—the city’s highest emergency rating.
“We are facing an unprecedented tragedy,” Lee stated during the briefing. Rescue teams are facing difficult conditions as they search floor-by-floor through the charred high-rise towers.
Family members of the missing have gathered at temporary shelters and hospitals, waiting anxiously for news as firefighters continue their search through the night.
