KABUL: A large fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong, China, has resulted in at least 44 fatalities, with nearly 300 individuals reported missing.
Reuters reported this morning that the residential complex, located in the “Tai Po” area of northern Hong Kong, consists of 2,000 apartments housing approximately 4,600 residents.
Hong Kong police believe that the fire may have been caused by unsafe scaffolding and foam materials used during construction.
Security officials, who worked to control the fire late Wednesday night, reported that they have managed to bring the blaze under control in four blocks of the residential unit, while efforts continue in three other blocks.
Authorities noted that the affected buildings were covered with protective nets and plastic, in violation of fire safety standards. Some windows were reportedly sealed with foam materials, contributing to the fire’s rapid spread.
Hong Kong is recognized as one of China’s major, densely populated commercial cities.