Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 44 with 279 still missing, authorities say

BBC News, Nov 27: At least 44 people have been killed in a major fire engulfing public housing apartments in Hong Kong's Tai Po district - more than 270 people are still not accounted for.

Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to flammable materials, including mesh and plastic sheets, that may have allowed the fire to spread quickly.

After 18 hours, officials said the fire was under control - it has been classified a level five blaze, the most serious level in Hong Kong.

"I can smell it in the air", writes our correspondent this morning, as large plumes of smoke hang over the burning buildings at Wang Fuk Court.