Hong Kong

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the massive fire that swept through a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong, killing at least 44 people and leaving more than 270 others missing, CNN reported.

The complex, under renovation and wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and safety netting, turned into a towering inferno that continued to burn more than 20 hours after the blaze began. Authorities confirmed that the arrested men worked for a construction company and are accused of “gross negligence” in relation to the disaster.

The scale of destruction has triggered serious questions in a city known for stringent building codes and a historically strong public safety record. Fire officials said the blaze leapt rapidly from building to building, engulfing multiple high-rise residential blocks — an event many officials have described as highly unusual.

Although fires are not rare in Hong Kong, fatalities have typically remained low compared to similarly dense cities like New York. However, data shows a worrying trend:

33 fire-related deaths in 2024, linked largely to cooking accidents, cigarette disposal, candles, and electrical faults

31 deaths in 2023 — the highest in 22 years

12 deaths in 2013, illustrating a sharp rise over the decade

READ MORE: How Mohammed Ali Khalid became global face of Indian Scouts and Guides Movement

Meanwhile, emergency crews continue firefighting and rescue operations, as hopes dim for the hundreds still unaccounted for.