At least 36 people have died and around 300 are missing following Hong Kong’s worst fire in nearly three decades, according to foreign media reports.
The blaze, which erupted in a high-rise residential building in the northern Tai Po district, quickly spread, engulfing the 32nd floor in flames and thick smoke for several hours. Many residents are believed to have been trapped inside the building when the fire broke out.
Police have arrested three individuals on suspicion of involvement in the incident, Hong Kong’s RTHK news service reported.
A firefighter is among the dead, while another 29 people have been hospitalized, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee told reporters.
Approximately 900 residents have been evacuated to eight temporary shelters as emergency services continue rescue operations.
