A fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has become one of the deadliest in the region's recent history, claiming at least 44 lives and leaving 279 people unaccounted for. The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, spread rapidly through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, affecting seven of its eight buildings. Firefighters continued their efforts into Thursday morning, battling thick smoke and high temperatures that complicated rescue operations.

Among the deceased is one firefighter, and at least 62 individuals have sustained injuries, primarily from burns and smoke inhalation. Authorities have arrested three men associated with a construction company, suspected of manslaughter due to alleged gross negligence in safety standards. The company, identified as Prestige Construction & Engineering, was responsible for renovations at the site, and police have seized documents from their office as part of the investigation.

Initial assessments suggest that materials used on the building's exterior may not have met fire resistance regulations, contributing to the fire's rapid spread. Additionally, highly flammable Styrofoam was discovered near the elevator lobby of one unaffected tower, raising further concerns about safety practices during the renovation.

The fire reportedly originated from external scaffolding and was exacerbated by windy conditions, complicating firefighting efforts. The housing complex, built in the 1980s, housed approximately 4,800 residents, many of whom are elderly. Following the incident, around 900 individuals were evacuated to temporary shelters, while local officials, including Hong Kong's leader John Lee, have prioritized disaster response over upcoming elections.

This incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, with the last significant tragedy occurring in 1996, when 41 people died in a commercial building fire. The ongoing investigation aims to address the systemic issues that may have contributed to this disaster, highlighting the need for stringent safety regulations in residential construction.