Hong Kong authorities confirmed containment of a devastating residential fire in Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court early Thursday, as the death toll rose to 44 with 45 hospitalized in critical condition. The blaze, which broke out Wednesday afternoon, engulfed seven of eight apartment buildings in the complex before firefighters brought it under control following 15 hours of intense operations.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee announced at 2:30 AM local time that visible flames had been extinguished across three buildings, with only isolated hotspots remaining. A firefighter was among those killed in what officials describe as one of Hong Kong's deadliest residential fires this decade.
Police Superintendent Eileen Chung revealed three construction company employees were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter related to ongoing renovation work at the site. The Fire Services Department escalated the emergency to its highest No. 5 alarm level Wednesday evening as flames rapidly spread through the densely populated housing estate.
Emergency services continue search-and-rescue operations while the Hospital Authority coordinates critical care for survivors. Macao SAR leader Sam Hou Fai expressed solidarity with Hong Kong, offering logistical support through official channels.
Authorities have established temporary shelters for displaced residents and launched a full investigation into the fire's causes. The incident has reignited public discussions about building safety standards in Hong Kong's aging residential towers.
