By Zoila Palma: At least 36 people have died after a massive fire tore through multiple high-rise buildings in a Hong Kong housing complex, marking one of the city’s deadliest blazes in nearly three decades.
Seven of the complex’s eight towers—home to many elderly residents—remained engulfed in flames as firefighters continued rescue efforts late into the night, CNN reports.
Police said 279 residents were still “uncontactable,” while 29 people remained hospitalized, including 7 in critical condition.
Hong Kong police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the disaster, with a task force now investigating how the fire spread so rapidly.
Fire Services Director Andy Yeung said crews discovered polystyrene boards blocking windows in several units—material he described as “extremely inflammable,” which may have fueled the swift spread of the flames.
Officials are also examining whether bamboo scaffolding encasing the buildings during refurbishment, as well as the protective coverings used, contributed to the severity of the blaze.
More than 700 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, including a sports center in Tai Po that has been converted into an emergency facility.
The post International News: Deadly blaze sweeps through Hong Kong housing complex, killing 36 people appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: At least 36 people have died after a massive fire tore through multiple high-rise buildings in a Hong Kong housing complex, marking one of the city’s deadliest blazes in nearly three decades. Seven of the complex’s eight towers—home to many elderly residents—remained engulfed in flames as firefighters continued rescue efforts late into
The post International News: Deadly blaze sweeps through Hong Kong housing complex, killing 36 people appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
