Hong Kong fire update as dozens dead and nearly 300 missing after horror inferno

The horrific fire in Hong Kong that erupted in the Tai Po district earlier on Wednesday has killed dozens of people, with nearly 300 still missing. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee confirmed the death of 36 people in a press conference, adding tht at least 279 people remain unaccounted for.

There are 29 people in hospital, seven of whom are in critical condition. Mr Lee said the fire is being brought under control after it sparked the evacuation of local residents. A housing task force identified 1,400 housing units across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories that could be used for evacuees.

In an earlier update, Hong Kong’s housing minister Winnie Ho said 40 evacuees had already been moved into one of these units.

Local media also reported that over 800 firefighters and paramedics, and 140 fire engines, have been deployed to tackle the fire.

Mr. Lee added that three of the seven buildings previously alight are now showing no signs of being on fire. The remaining four showed “disparate signs of fire”, he said.

When firefighters arrived, they discovered the building’s exterior scaffolding engulfed in flames and deployed two hoses and two teams equipped with breathing apparatus.

As the incident unfolded, the Fire Services Department said a firefighter had died in the line of duty during the fire. 

The Fire Services Department confirmed that the fire was escalated to level three by 3.02pm local time, and further upgraded to level four at 3.34pm

Reports also claimed that several residents were trapped and unable to escape on their own, needing urgent assistance from emergency responders to reach safety. 

The fire department said: “Residents nearby are advised to stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and stay calm. Members of the public are also advised to avoid going to the area affected by the fire.”