(MENAFN) A fierce inferno that erupted Wednesday within an eight-block housing compound in Hong Kong’s Tai Po area has resulted in the loss of 44 lives, while 279 individuals are still unaccounted for.

The tally of victims has continued to climb, according to a report issued by a media outlet.

The blaze ignited around midday Wednesday inside the large estate—home to more than 1,900 flats—and intensified swiftly due to bamboo scaffolding affixed to the building exteriors for ongoing refurbishment.

In a declaration released by the local fire brigade, officials confirmed that 44 people, including one firefighter, have perished to date.

Among the injured transported to medical facilities, 45 remain in critical condition.

Out of the seven towers consumed by the flames in the complex—believed to shelter roughly 4,000 inhabitants—three have been subdued, while fires persist in the remaining four.

Altogether, 279 residents continue to be missing, and 26 firefighting teams are pressing on with suppression and rescue efforts.

Police have apprehended three individuals — two supervisors and a consulting engineer associated with the renovation contractor — on allegations of “manslaughter.”

Authorities indicated that the bamboo scaffolding erected for restoration purposes, along with foam-plastic window coverings, played a major role in accelerating the fire’s spread.

MENAFN27112025000045017167ID1110404095