In Hong Kong, firefighters struggle to extinguish a massive fire at a housing complex

In Hong Kong, firefighters are attempting to extinguish a massive blaze that has engulfed several residential skyscrapers under renovation, resulting in at least 44 deaths and hundreds missing, according to local authorities.

The fire, the worst to hit this global financial hub in decades, broke out Wednesday afternoon in a complex of eight buildings housing approximately 2,000 apartments in Tai Po, northern Hong Kong.

This incident has sent shockwaves through this special administrative region of China, known for having one of the world's highest population densities and tallest residential buildings.

As dawn broke on Thursday, journalists from AFP reported that some apartments were still burning, although the intensity of the fire had significantly reduced in the early morning hours. By around 09:00 (01:00 GMT), black smoke continued to billow from the 1980s-era residential complex, which consists of several thirty-story towers.

According to the latest report from the firefighters released Thursday morning, at least 44 people have died in the blaze, including a 37-year-old firefighter who suffered facial burns and had lost contact with his team, as confirmed by fire chief Andy Yeung.

Early Thursday, 279 individuals were still unaccounted for, as reported by Hong Kong leader John Lee. However, emergency services later indicated they had made contact with several of the missing persons.

The police announced the arrest of three men in connection with the fire after discovering flammable materials abandoned during maintenance work, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. They are suspected of involuntary manslaughter.

The fire quickly spread from one tower to another, fueled by the wind. Bamboo scaffolding, a hallmark of Hong Kong, surrounded the buildings undergoing renovation and likely caught fire first. Flames, embers, and smoke poured from the buildings throughout the night, illuminated by an orange glow.

Mr. Yuen, 65, who has lived there for over 40 years, explained that many of his neighbors were elderly and had mobility issues. "Some people were unaware there was a fire and had to be warned by phone by their neighbors," he told AFP. "I am devastated!"

• Emergency Shelter -

More than 900 individuals have been accommodated in temporary shelters where volunteers provided emotional support and blankets.

People arrived throughout the night to report relatives missing and unable to reach them. Some sat in shock, staring with red-rimmed eyes at their mobile phone screens, hoping for news of their loved ones.

At the fire site, in the Wang Fuk Court complex, the temperature "is very high and there are floors where we have been unable to reach those who called for help, but we will keep trying," assured Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of the fire services.

According to him, the fire likely spread from building to building due to the wind and flying embers. However, he emphasized that authorities are continuing their investigation into the causes of the fire.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims' families and called for all efforts to be made "to extinguish the fire and minimize human and material losses," according to state broadcaster CCTV.

"It's heartbreaking. We worry about whether people are trapped inside," sighed So, 57, who lives near the burning complex.

Fires have long been a scourge in Hong Kong, particularly in poor neighborhoods. However, strengthened safety measures over the past decades have made them less frequent.

© Agence France-Presse