At least 44 people have been killed in a major fire engulfing apartment blocks in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, with 279 people not accounted for
More than 800 firefighters are tackling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court – with the fire under control in four of the eight buildings
Three construction company executives are under arrest on suspicion of manslaughter connected to flammable materials – including bamboo and polystyrene foam – that may have allowed the fire to spread quickly
The fire has been classed as a level five – the most serious level in Hong Kong
A baby and an elderly woman have been rescued as the late-night emergency operations continue, local media reports
The government has paid tribute to a 37-year-old firefighter who died fighting the blaze, describing him as “dedicated and gallant”
Residents are asking for help from local authorities after losing contact with relatives inside the buildings, a local councillor tells the BBC
At least 44 people have died, while 45 people are in a critical condition. A further 279 people are not accounted for
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter – two are directors of a construction firm and one is an engineering consultant
While the cause of the fire is still being investigated, police say polystyrene boards were found blocking windows at the site, which was undergoing renovations, and may have allowed the fire to spread more quickly. Authorities say it seems to have also spread rapidly – and to neighbouring buildings – through bamboo scaffolding
This morning, smoke is still billowing from some of the tower blocks – but the fire is under control in four of the eight buildings
The fire department expects it to take the entire day to contain the fire
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters and emergency housing units are being allocated to people needing relocation
The Hong Kong fire department has classified the blaze as a level five alarm – the most severe. It has been 17 years since a level five fire last hit Hong Kong
