Forty-four people have been killed and 279 others remain missing after a devastating blaze tore through a housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, with intense flames engulfing bamboo scaffolding across seven residential blocks.

According to the Fire Services Department, 45 of those hospitalised are in serious condition.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu addressed the public early Thursday at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin, following a visit to a nearby community hall the previous evening.