Hong Kong high-rise fire death toll rises to 44; over 270 still missing

The death toll from a massive fire that ripped through several high-rise buildings in Hong Kong has climbed to 44, while 279 people remain unaccounted for, according to Chinese state media on Thursday.

Hong Kong Police said three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the blaze at Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday. The state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the incident is now considered the deadliest fire in the city’s history involving multiple residential towers. At least 45 people were injured.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee confirmed that 279 people are still missing. A preliminary probe suggested that protective nets, waterproof canvas, and plastic sheeting attached to the buildings may not have met fire safety standards. Investigators also found polyurethane foam used to seal elevator-lobby windows in one of the unaffected blocks, identifying the flammable material as a factor in the rapid spread of the fire.

The three arrested men—aged 52 to 68—are executives of a construction firm that installed the materials during renovation work. Police allege that severe negligence led to the high number of casualties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences and ordered authorities to fully support firefighting, rescue operations, medical care for the injured, and assistance to victims’ families, Xinhua said.