Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 55 as hundreds remain unaccounted for

Mapaballo Borotho

A massive fire in a Hong Kong housing complex has claimed 55 lives, with more than 200 residents still missing.
Three construction company executives have been arrested as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
Hundreds have been evacuated to temporary shelters, and election campaigning has been suspended to focus on relief efforts.

The death toll from the devastating fire that swept through housing apartments in Hong Kong has risen to 55, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Fifty-one victims died at the scene, four later in the hospital, and one firefighter also lost his life.

The blaze reportedly broke out in a public housing complex that was undergoing renovations, leaving more than 200 residents still unaccounted for.

Officials say the fire has been brought under control in four of the seven affected buildings, while the remaining structures continue to burn.

Three construction company executives have been arrested on charges of manslaughter and gross negligence. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are underway.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with emergency housing units now being allocated to those affected.

Authorities have also suspended all campaigning ahead of the 7 December Legislative Council election to prioritise rescue and relief efforts.