Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, broadcaster RTHK reported.
Fire authorities in Hong Kong say 44 people have been confirmed dead in a fire that broke out at a residential complex on Wednesday. More than 200 people are reportedly missing
Fire authorities in Hong Kong say 44 people have been confirmed dead in a fire that broke out at a residential complex on Wednesday. More than 200 people are reportedly missing
The fire started in a high-rise building in Tai Po in the northern part of the city and spread across seven buildings in the complex. Firefighters worked throughout the night, but the blaze has yet to be put out.
Fire authorities said on Thursday that a firefighter was among the 44 people killed. They added that more than 50 other people were injured, with 15 of them in critical condition.
The Hong Kong government says about 280 people are still unaccounted for.
The cause of the blaze is still unknown. However, the buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding for renovation work. Local media reported that this may have helped the fire to spread.
Fire authorities suggest that the protective nets may not have met fire-retardant standards. They have not ruled out the possibility that polystyrene used on the buildings contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Police have arrested three people from a construction company, including senior officials, on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident.
