HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2025

A massive fire that swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Hong Kong has left the city reeling after at least 44 people lost their lives and hundreds remained unaccounted for as of Thursday morning. The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon in the Tai Po district, where eight high-rise apartment blocks, each 31 storeys tall and home to around 2,000 flats were undergoing repairs covered in bamboo scaffolding. According to authorities, the fire spread with alarming speed after flammable materials, including foam packaging left behind during maintenance work, helped fuel the flames. Police have arrested three men suspected of gross negligence, and officers were seen collecting documents from related premises early Thursday. Firefighters worked through the night, but many apartments were still burning at dawn, with thick smoke rising high into the sky and sections of scorched scaffolding falling from the buildings. Residents described scenes of chaos and confusion, especially for many elderly occupants who struggled to evacuate; some did not realize a fire had started because their windows had been sealed for renovation, and neighbors had to call them urging them to escape. Among the victims was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with his team and was later found with severe burns. Authorities report that 56 people are hospitalized, with 16 in critical condition, 24 seriously injured, and the rest stable. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, said more than 279 residents had initially been listed as unaccounted for, though firefighters managed to reach some throughout the night. More than 900 people have taken refuge in temporary shelters, while a nearby highway and surrounding streets were closed as emergency teams continued operations. Fire officials said their work was complicated by extreme heat inside the buildings and strong winds that likely pushed burning debris from one block to another, allowing the fire to jump floors and structures. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims and honored the firefighter who died on duty. Locals described the event as heartbreaking and frightening, with some refusing to leave the area because the fire was still not fully under control. Hong Kong, once prone to deadly fires in crowded neighborhoods, has seen far fewer such tragedies in recent decades thanks to improved safety standards, but this disaster, now described as the worst in many years has raised serious questions about renovation safety, building oversight, and emergency response in the city’s towering residential complexes.

 Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno Leaves Dozens Dead as Investigators Probe Rapid Spread

A tragic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Hong Kong has left at least 44 people dead and hundreds unaccounted for after flames swept through eight high-rise buildings on Wednesday afternoon. The estate, located in Tai Po and home to around 2,000 apartments, was under repair and covered in bamboo scaffolding when the fire broke out. Officials say the blaze spread unusually fast because flammable materials, including foam packaging left during renovation work, helped fuel the flames. Three men have been arrested for suspected gross negligence, and police have seized documents linked to the case. Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night, with some units still burning by dawn, and falling debris making rescue work harder. Many elderly residents struggled to escape, with some unaware of the danger because their windows had been sealed for maintenance. Among the victims was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with his team during the operation. Authorities report 56 people in the hospital, with several in critical condition, while more than 900 residents have taken shelter in temporary facilities. City leader John Lee said more than 279 people were initially unaccounted for, though contact has been made with some. The disaster, now one of the city’s worst in decades, has raised urgent questions about building safety and renovation oversight.