Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 44 and 45 injured

At least 44 people were killed, and another 45 were injured in a fire that broke out in Wang Fuck Court, a residential area in Tai Po of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Police Force said at a press briefing on Thursday.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in the small hours on Thursday that the fire at Wang Fuk Court has been gradually brought under control after firefighters’



tireless efforts.

Speaking at a press briefing, Lee mentioned that around 279 people are still missing. Twenty-nine remained hospitalised, including seven in critical condition. Lee said he was deeply saddened by the situation.

He said that from the outside, three buildings now showed no visible flames, while four others displayed only sporadic fire spots.