At least 44 dead and 71 injured in massive fire

At least 44 people, including one firefighter, have died in a massive fire at a 32-story tower complex. At least 71 others were injured, many suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Fire officials said the rescue operation could continue until Thursday evening.

Resident Lawrence Lee was waiting for news about his wife, still trapped in their apartment. He said, “When the fire started, I told her on the phone to escape. But once she left the flat, the corridor and stairs were filled with smoke and darkness, so she had no choice but to return to the flat.”

Another resident, 75-year-old Winter Chung, said, “We saw sparks flying around while evacuating. Although we are safe, we are worried about our home. I couldn’t sleep all night.”

Police arrested three men — two directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company — on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities believe those in charge of the company were grossly negligent.

The office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, responsible for renovations in the tower, was searched, and boxes of documents were seized as evidence. Police also found highly flammable Styrofoam attached to the windows near elevator lobbies on each floor. It was believed to have been installed by the construction company, though the purpose remains unclear.

The fire reportedly started on the external scaffolding of the 32-story tower, spreading via bamboo scaffolding and construction netting to the interior and other buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. Firefighters aimed water from ladder trucks at the intense flames, but rescue operations remained extremely challenging.