Hundreds Missing After Hong Kong Apartment Blocks Fire

Massive Fire Rips Through High-Rise Complex in Hong Kong

Fewer than 24 hours after a devastating fire swept through several apartment blocks in Hong Kong, the death toll has risen to at least 55 people, with almost 300 still missing.

• At least 55 confirmed dead, with many more feared trapped or injured
• Nearly 300 people remain unaccounted for as firefighters continue their search and rescue efforts
• Eight buildings in the Wang Fuk court complex were affected by the fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon
• Preliminary investigation suggests that flammable materials left at the site during maintenance work may have contributed to the blaze

Around 1,000 firefighters from Hong Kong and mainland China have been battling the inferno since it broke out at around 3:00 pm local time on Wednesday.

As the sun sets over the city, rescue efforts continue into the night. Firefighters are working tirelessly to reach trapped residents, with some reports suggesting that people may still be alive in the rubble of the destroyed buildings.