Police today arrested three men in-charge of a construction company, for manslaughter in relation the No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po yesterday.

At about 2.50pm yesterday, Police received reports saying that a fire broke out at a housing estate on Tai Po Road - Yuen Chau Tsai. The fire on some scaffolding spread rapidly to other blocks in the estate and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

Upon initial investigation, it was suspected that the protective nets, tarpaulins and plastic sheets used for the maintenance works may not have been up to fire safety standards. Foam boards were also found installed to the windows of the buildings.

The three men, aged 52 to 68, were arrested in Ngau Tau Kok, Tai Po and Wong Tai Sin today. They are being detained for further enquiries. The New Territories North Regional Crime Unit is carrying out an investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to offer is urged to call the investigating officers at 5566 0087.

Separately, in view of the immense public interest involved, the Independent Commission Against Corruption today set up a task force to launch a full investigation into possible corruption in the grand renovation project of this housing estate in Tai Po.