Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 44; 300 still missing
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, November 27, AZERTAC
In Hong Kong, at least 44 people have been killed in a major fire engulfing public housing apartments in City's Tai Po district.
According to rescue officials, after the eruption of fire more than 300 people were still missing and trapped in the burned buildings.
According to media reports, rescuers are searching for hundreds of missing people after a fire engulfed several high-rise buildings in a Hong Kong apartment complex.
After many hours, officials have claimed that the fire was under control. Fire is stated to be the deadliest fire in more than 60 years in Hong Kong. Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to flammable materials that may have allowed the fire to spread quickly.
On the other hand, Hong Kong has suspended all campaigning ahead of the Legislative Council election scheduled on 7 December to prioritize relief efforts after the blaze in the apartment buildings.
“The top priority is to put out the fire and rescue trapped residents. The second task is to treat the wounded, the third is to handle the aftermath, and then we’ll undergo a comprehensive investigation," the Chief Executive of Hong Kong John Lee told reporters on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and property in the devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong. In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister wrote “our heartfelt condolences go out to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese nation, particularly the people of Hong Kong on this tragic incident, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, and we wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.”
He said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and Government of China, especially the Hong Kong SAR, during this difficult time.
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