Hong Kong housing inferno kills 55, leaves families searching

Hong Kong is reeling after a residential fire, its worst in more than 50 years, killed at least 55 people and left hundreds missing in the Tai Po district.

The blaze erupted around 3 P.M. Wednesday on bamboo scaffolding covering an eight-tower housing estate with 2,000 apartments, turning the renovation site into a firestorm.

Thick smoke swept through hallways, and residents said alarms did not go off. Many only learned of the danger when security guards knocked on their doors.

Firefighters worked through the night, but falling debris and explosions on the upper floors slowed rescue efforts.

The blaze was brought under control on Thursday.

Authorities arrested two company directors and a consultant on suspicion of manslaughter, saying non-compliant materials caused the fire to spread rapidly.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged an all-out rescue operation and expressed condolences to grieving families.