HONG KONG (Journos News) – Residents were still being pulled from a burning housing complex in Hong Kong on Thursday morning after a high-rise fire killed at least 44 people and left hundreds unaccounted for, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in decades. Emergency crews worked through the night in the Tai Po district as flames spread across multiple towers, prompting large-scale evacuations and an urgent search for survivors. The disaster has shaken the city and raised fresh scrutiny over building safety and renovation practices.
The Hong Kong high-rise fire — which began on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly engulfed parts of the Wang Fuk Court complex — triggered a city-wide response involving hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics. Authorities confirmed that 279 people were reported missing as of Thursday morning, although rescue teams cautioned that the number could change as searches continue. Many of the victims were trapped inside apartments as thick smoke and extreme heat made it difficult for crews to reach upper floors.
Four of the eight towers sustained the most severe damage, and officials said the blaze remained active early Thursday, despite hours of continuous suppression efforts. The city’s Fire Services Department upgraded the incident to a level-five alarm — its highest emergency classification — shortly after nightfall, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the difficulty of the operation.
Arrests Made as Investigators Probe Suspected Safety Failures
Police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the Hong Kong high-rise fire, saying early evidence pointed to potential negligence linked to renovation materials. The men — aged between 52 and 68 — are directors and an engineering consultant associated with the company carrying out construction work at the complex.
Senior police superintendent Eileen Chung said investigators discovered Styrofoam panels outside windows near lift lobbies, material known to be highly flammable. “We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent,” she said.
Authorities also noted that the speed of the fire’s spread across multiple towers was unusual, prompting a review of exterior wall materials and scaffolding structures. The blaze is believed to have started on external scaffolding attached to a 32-storey building before moving inside and extending to neighbouring blocks, aided in part by windy conditions.
Hong Kong uses bamboo scaffolding extensively on construction sites — a long-standing practice common across the city’s skyline. Earlier this year, officials announced plans to gradually phase it out on public projects due to safety concerns, though it remains widespread in private renovations.
Evacuations, Extreme Heat and a Race Against Time
More than 900 residents were moved to temporary shelters as flames and smoke poured from windows across seven towers. Firefighters used ladder trucks to reach the upper floors while paramedics treated burn and inhalation injuries at the scene.
A 37-year-old firefighter was among the dead. Another crew member was treated for heat exhaustion, highlighting the intense conditions inside the buildings. “Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings is falling down,” said deputy fire director Derek Armstrong Chan, adding that temperatures were too high for responders to move safely through stairwells.
By Thursday morning, officials reported that four buildings were “coming under control,” though access remained limited due to instability and smoke density. Many families waited outside emergency cordons for updates, while volunteers and district staff assisted evacuees with food, shelter and contact tracing.
The Wang Fuk Court complex houses nearly 4,800 residents and was constructed in the 1980s. Much of the estate has been undergoing major renovation in recent months, including the installation of new external platforming. The incident has renewed focus on high-rise fire preparedness across densely populated cities, particularly in ageing residential blocks.
Authorities Suspend Public Events as Investigation Expands
Chief Executive John Lee said the government was prioritising rescue efforts and support for affected families. All public campaign activities for the December 7 Legislative Council elections were suspended, though he did not confirm whether polling would be delayed. “We will make decisions a few days later,” Lee said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping offered condolences following the death of the firefighter and urged authorities to reduce casualties and losses, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The central government also expressed support for ongoing relief efforts.
The fire has become Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1996, when a commercial blaze in Kowloon killed 41 people and burned for nearly 20 hours. Fire safety experts noted that high-rise incidents can escalate rapidly in older buildings, especially those undergoing external repairs. Many residential towers built in the late 20th century now require significant upgrades to insulation, fireproofing and ventilation systems.
Community Grieves as Recovery Efforts Continue
Residents described watching flames climb the buildings with alarming speed. One woman identified only by her surname, Wu, told local broadcaster TVB: “I’ve given up thinking about my property. Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.”
Temporary shelters have been opened in Tai Po, a suburban district in Hong Kong’s New Territories near the border with Shenzhen. The area is home to many older residents, and local representatives said additional support services would be arranged for displaced households.
Authorities deployed more than 200 fire vehicles and around 100 ambulances to the scene. Emergency hotlines received an overwhelming volume of calls, including reports from trapped residents using mobile phones to alert responders from upper floors. Fire officials said they would continue rescue and recovery operations until every accessible area had been searched.
While the full impact of the Hong Kong high-rise fire is still emerging, officials warned that the number of missing may fluctuate as teams verify reports and cross-check resident records. Structural engineers will assess the buildings once the fire is fully extinguished, and a formal inquiry is expected to examine safety compliance, contractor responsibilities and renovation oversight.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy across the city, with community groups and charities preparing longer-term support for residents who may have lost homes and belongings. Authorities said counselling services would be made available in the coming days, and financial assistance programs would be activated for those affected.
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