BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty shared devastating news with viewers just minutes into Thursday’s show

 

BBC Breakfast was interrupted as presenter Naga Munchetty delivered devastating news just moments into the programme. During Thursday’s (November 27) edition of the morning show, Naga and co-host Charlie Stayt returned to screens to update viewers on news from the UK and and globally.

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But within minutes of the broadcast beginning, Naga broke the heartbreaking news emerging from Hong Kong. Wednesday evening saw the announcement of a blaze that had engulfed seven blocks of a towering residential estate.

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The fatality count has continued to climb, with 279 individuals remaining missing, marking the city’s most devastating fire in over fifty years, reports the Express.

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Addressing audiences at home, Naga disclosed: “At least 44 people have died after a fire ripped through a residential complex in Hong Kong.” Reports later confirmed the toll had increased to 55 fatalities.

The broadcast then switched to footage of the blazing structure as she added: “We can show you the scene now. It’s 2 o’clock in the afternoon there and you can see the fire services still putting out the flames as the fire is coming from the apartment blocks.

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“At least 300 people remain unaccounted for and three people from the construction firm have been arrested on suspicion of man slaughter.”

The programme subsequently moved to a pre-recorded segment from BBC correspondent Simon Jones. The blaze, which has engulfed seven blocks of a high-rise housing estate, remains uncontained nearly 22 hours after erupting in the northern Tai Po district.

Three construction company executives, including two directors and one engineering consultant, have been detained by police on suspicion of manslaughter.

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Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate housing 2,000 units across eight blocks, was undergoing extensive refurbishment works when the fire started.

Specialists suggest that bamboo scaffolding probably helped the flames spread rapidly between the buildings. Emergency crews have started combing through flats for survivors in four of the towers where firefighters have successfully put out the blaze, with the death toll anticipated to climb further.

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Several people remain in a critical state in hospital. Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee has indicated the government might delay their December 7 General Election following the tragedy, describing the fire as a “massive catastrophe”.