Canadians with roots in Hong Kong are reacting with shock after a fire in Tai Po on Wednesday left dozens dead and hundreds missing.
Several local media outlets reported that police had arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire.
The fire, which began Wednesday afternoon, was escalated to a Level 5 alarm, the most severe local rating, as officials said firefighters continued to battle extremely difficult conditions.
Vancouver resident Albert Wai Yip Chan, a former Hong Kong member legislator, called the fire a “tragedy,” voicing longstanding safety concerns about tall buildings.
Coquitlam resident Aiken Lau said he was “heartbroken” watching news from afar, urging a swift search for the missing.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the blaze spread across a housing complex in the Tai Po district.
At least 44 people were reported dead and about 280 missing.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the scene was gradually being brought under control and a “holistic investigation” has been launched.
Global Affairs estimates there are about 300,000 Canadian citizens in Hong Kong, making them the biggest Canadian diaspora outside the United States.
