In Hong Kong, at least 83 dead and 250 missing in the worst fire in decades

In Hong Kong, at least 83 people have died in a fire that broke out in a residential skyscraper complex on Wednesday, with rescue teams continuing to douse the towering charred buildings with water on Thursday, while more than 250 individuals remain missing.

Authorities have begun investigations to determine the causes of this disaster, the worst in the Chinese territory in nearly 80 years, particularly focusing on the possible role of bamboo scaffolding.

By Thursday afternoon, firefighters reported that the intense flames affecting four of the eight residential buildings had finally been extinguished, and fires in three others were under control. Only one building in the complex remained untouched.

During a press conference, Hong Kong's number two official, Eric Chan, stated that it was "imperative to accelerate the complete transition to metal scaffolding."

Police are investigating how the massive flames managed to spread between these residential skyscrapers in a territory known to be among the most densely populated in the world.

Among the 83 fatalities is a 37-year-old firefighter. The previous toll stood at 75.

• Solidarity -
  Two Indonesian domestic workers are also among the deceased, according to their consulate.

Among those hospitalized, 12 are in critical condition, 29 are severely injured, and 17 are in stable condition, according to the latest report from authorities on Thursday evening.

However, the death toll could still rise, as city chief executive John Lee announced on Thursday morning that 279 individuals were reported missing. Firefighters later confirmed they had made contact with some of these individuals.

From dawn on Thursday, a wave of solidarity spontaneously formed around the site, which consists of 1,984 housing units and was inaugurated in 1983.

"It's truly touching. The spirit of Hong Kong is that when someone is in trouble, everyone comes to their aid," remarked Stone Ngai, 38, one of the organizers of an improvised aid station, to AFP.

• Anti-corruption investigation -
  "Given the immense public outcry, a working group has been established to launch a thorough investigation into possible corruption related to the large renovation project of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po," stated the Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong in a press release.

Police announced the arrest of three men suspected of "gross negligence" after discovering flammable materials left abandoned during maintenance work that allowed the fire to "spread rapidly."

John Lee also announced an inspection of all major renovation sites in the city following this fire, which occurred in the Tai Po district in northern Hong Kong.

• "Devastated" -
  Mr. Yuen, 65, who has lived there for over 40 years, explained that many of his neighbors were elderly and had limited mobility. "Some people were unaware that a fire was happening and had to be alerted by phone by their neighbors," he recounted.

Hong Kong, with a population of 7.5 million, has an average density of over 7,100 inhabitants per square kilometer, a figure that can be up to three times higher in the most urbanized areas.

Due to the limited space, a profusion of towers with more than 50 floors have been constructed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his condolences to the victims, as did Pope Leo XIV, who expressed "spiritual solidarity with all those who suffer," especially the injured and bereaved families.