Hong Kong

A massive fire across several high-rise towers in Hong Kong has claimed 44 lives, 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. The blaze erupted on Wednesday in Wang Fuk Court, and the suspects, aged between 52 and 68, are executives of a construction company involved in renovation work at the site. Investigators believe their negligence contributed to the scale of the tragedy.

Chief Executive John Lee confirmed that this is the most devastating fire involving multiple residential towers in the city’s history. At least 45 people have been injured.

Preliminary findings indicate that protective nets, waterproof canvas and plastic sheets used on the buildings may not have met fire safety standards. Police also discovered polyurethane foam sealing elevator lobby windows in a nearby block and identified the flammable material as a factor in the rapid spread of the fire.

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President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences and instructed authorities to fully support rescue operations, ensure treatment for the injured and provide assistance to affected families, Xinhua reported.