Hong Kong Fire Update: A massive fire broke out in a housing complex in Hong Kong’s Pai Po area on Wednesday, causing widespread panic. So far, 44 people have been reported dead. The blaze was so intense that it engulfed several nearby buildings. 44 people have tragically died in this accident, and more than 300 are reported missing. The search for the missing is ongoing. The massive fire has claimed many lives.

Several people are also reported to be seriously injured. According to local media reports, three individuals responsible for the incident have been arrested. Chinese President Xi Jinping has also taken cognisance of the incident, ordered a more rapid rescue effort, and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court Estate in Tai Po, a complex of eight buildings housing approximately 2,000 apartments. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through this densely populated financial centre known for its skyscrapers. According to reports, the fire initially broke out in bamboo scaffolding surrounding several blocks of the Wang Phuc Court Estate, where maintenance work was reportedly underway.

An AFP reporter at the scene heard loud crackling from burning bamboo, while thick plumes of smoke and flames rose into the sky. The fire department put the death toll at 44 in a briefing on Thursday morning.

Fire brigade teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, but by then, the fire had already incinerated many people. After intense efforts that lasted late into the night, the fire has now been brought under control. More than 700 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters. Police and fire brigade teams have also formed a joint investigation team to determine the cause of the fire.