Hong Kong, Thursday — A massive blaze that tore through a high-rise housing complex in Tai Po has left at least 55 people dead and hundreds still missing, marking one of the city’s deadliest fires in decades. Firefighters continued to battle pockets of the inferno into Thursday morning as authorities scrambled to account for stranded residents.
The fire began Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a sprawling eight-building residential estate with roughly 2,000 apartments, where renovation work was underway. Intense flames quickly engulfed bamboo scaffolding before spreading to multiple 31-storey towers.
Authorities confirmed that three men linked to ongoing maintenance work were arrested early Thursday. Police say flammable materials — including foam packaging — were left on site, allowing the fire to spread “rapidly beyond control.” Officers later raided locations connected to the suspects, seizing documents and evidence.
Residents described terrifying scenes as thick smoke billowed through corridors and flames climbed toward the upper floors. Many were unaware of the danger because windows had been sealed during renovations.
“A lot of elderly residents might not have been able to move,” said a 65-year-old resident surnamed Yuen, who has lived in the complex for more than 40 years. “Some only escaped after neighbours called to warn them. I’m devastated.”
Amid the chaos, the tragedy claimed the life of a 37-year-old firefighter, who was found severely burned after losing contact with his colleagues for over half an hour.
According to government officials, 56 people are hospitalized — 16 in critical condition, 24 seriously injured, and the remainder stable. More than 900 residents sought refuge in emergency shelters overnight.
As of early Thursday, police reported 279 people missing, although authorities later said they had re-established contact with some.
Fire officials warned that rescue efforts remain difficult. “The temperature inside is extremely high,” said Deputy Fire Service Director Derek Armstrong Chan. “There are still floors we have not been able to reach.”
Witnesses watched as burning scaffolding collapsed and flames burst through sealed apartment windows, casting an orange glare across neighbouring districts. Fire crews also shut down sections of a nearby highway as smoke clouded the area.
China’s President Xi Jinping issued condolences to the victims, including the fallen firefighter, while Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expressed “deep sorrow” and pledged government support for affected families.
Residents evacuated from nearby buildings expressed shock and frustration as they waited for updates.
“We can replace property, but not lives,” said a 57-year-old resident surnamed So. “We just want everyone — young or old — to come out safely.”
Another resident, visibly shaken, said he was reluctant to leave as the fire continued to burn: “The blaze is still ongoing. I don’t know what to do.”
Although devastating fires were once common in Hong Kong’s dense neighbourhoods, improved safety standards have made such incidents rare in recent years — making this tragedy even more shocking to the city.
Authorities say the full extent of casualties and damage will only become clear once the fire is fully extinguished and all residents accounted for.
