A devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong has claimed at least 44 lives, with hundreds still unaccounted for, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in decades. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, engulfed an eight-building residential area housing over 2,000 apartments. Despite ongoing efforts, the fire continued to smolder nearly 20 hours later, with authorities struggling to contain the inferno. Three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, though details of their alleged involvement remain undisclosed. The fire department reported that the death toll rose from 36 to 44 during an early morning press briefing. The blaze, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and strong winds, spread rapidly, with flames and thick smoke visible for miles. Over 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters, while rescue teams faced extreme challenges due to high temperatures and inaccessible floors. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims, including a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty. Hong Kong’s leader, Lee, pledged full government support for affected residents, as investigations into the cause of the fire and the materials used in the buildings’ exteriors were launched. The tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety in one of the world’s most densely populated cities, despite significant improvements in recent decades.