27th November, 2025
A devastating inferno that tore through a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed at least 55 lives, with 279 people still unaccounted for as rescue operations stretch into a second day.
The blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a 1980s housing estate comprising eight high-rise towers that is home to approximately 4,800 residents. Emergency services received the first reports at 2:51 PM local time, with the fire rapidly escalating and spreading across seven of the eight residential blocks.
Among the confirmed fatalities is one firefighter who perished while battling the flames. Authorities have hospitalized at least 71 people, with 45 individuals in critical condition suffering primarily from severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Hong Kong police arrested three executives from Prestige Construction and Engineering Company on Thursday morning on suspicion of manslaughter. The arrested individuals include two company directors and an engineering consultant, all aged between 52 and 68. Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung stated authorities have reason to believe those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent.
Investigators suspect non-compliant building materials, including protective netting, tarpaulin, and plastic sheeting used during ongoing renovations, failed to meet fire safety standards and contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Police also discovered highly flammable polystyrene foam attached to windows throughout the complex.
The fire originated on scaffolding surrounding a 32-storey building before spreading via bamboo scaffolding and construction netting to adjacent towers. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung described the fire’s spread pattern as unusual, prompting a criminal investigation.
Lawrence Lee remains at a temporary shelter awaiting news of his wife, who became trapped when smoke-filled corridors forced her to retreat to their apartment. Residents Winter and Sandy Chung, both 75, successfully evacuated but recalled seeing sparks flying during their escape.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced immediate safety inspections of all housing estates undergoing renovations across the city. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses.
Approximately 900 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters. This tragedy marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since the 1996 Garley building blaze in Kowloon that killed 41 people.
Firefighters deployed more than 200 fire vehicles and mobilized over 1,200 personnel to combat the blaze, with operations expected to continue until Thursday evening as thick smoke continues billowing from the complex.