A massive fire ripped through multiple apartment towers in Hong Kong's Tai Po area, killing at least 44 people and becoming the city's deadliest blaze since 1962. The inferno started on bamboo scaffolding outside the Wang Fuk Court housing complex and spread like crazy because of green construction netting wrapped around the buildings. Both materials are super flammable, and burning chunks fell onto neighboring structures while renovation work was happening.
Cops arrested three people from a construction company for what they're calling gross negligence. Turns out the protective mesh and styrofoam stuff on the buildings weren't fireproof at all. Nearly 280 residents are still missing, with dozens hospitalized and around 17 in critical shape.
Firefighters are still battling hot spots more than 16 hours later, and extreme heat is blocking crews from reaching upper floors. About 900 people had to crash at community shelters while over 1,200 emergency workers kept working at the scene.
Cops arrested three people from a construction company for what they're calling gross negligence. Turns out the protective mesh and styrofoam stuff on the buildings weren't fireproof at all. Nearly 280 residents are still missing, with dozens hospitalized and around 17 in critical shape.
Firefighters are still battling hot spots more than 16 hours later, and extreme heat is blocking crews from reaching upper floors. About 900 people had to crash at community shelters while over 1,200 emergency workers kept working at the scene.
