Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire rises to 83; over 280 missing

Beijing/Hong Kong: Firefighters battled a massive blaze for a second day in Hong Kong, as the death toll from a fire that tore through seven high-rise residential towers rose to 83, with over 280 people still missing. The incident has been described as the city’s worst disaster in 70 years.

Some 76 people were injured, including 15 in critical condition and 28 listed as serious. A firefighter is among the dead. Many residents remain trapped as rescue operations continue. Flames at four of the seven buildings have been controlled, while fires persist on upper floors of the remaining 31-storey towers.

The fire, which began Wednesday, is under criminal investigation. Authorities have arrested three, two directors and a consultant of the contractor handling renovations, on suspicion of manslaughter, as flammable materials appear to have accelerated the blaze. Preliminary findings indicate highly flammable styrofoam around lift windows and unsafe mesh netting contributed to the rapid spread.

The Hong Kong government has set up a 300 million HKD relief fund for victims. Nearly 40 per cent of residents are over 60, many living in subsidised housing since the estate’s construction in 1983. President Xi Jinping extended condolences and urged full rescue and relief efforts.