Scene of the fire at a residential complex in Tai Po district, Hong Kong (China). (Photo: Mac Luyen/VNA)

Firefighters had mostly contained the blaze that destroyed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern district of Tai Po.

The eight-tower estate housing more than 4,600 people had been undergoing renovations and was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh when the fire started and quickly spread on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said they had arrested three construction company officials on suspicion of manslaughter for using unsafe materials, including flammable foam boards blocking windows.

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, said the administration would set up a 39 million USD fund to help residents.