Firefighters continued their battle on Thursday against a devastating blaze that tore through a Hong Kong high-rise complex, killing at least 44 people and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. Authorities described the incident as the city’s worst fire in decades, sending shockwaves through a densely populated area known for some of the world’s tallest residential buildings.
The fire began on Wednesday afternoon in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, a complex of eight apartment blocks with around 2,000 units. Flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding used for ongoing maintenance work, spreading rapidly and engulfing multiple 31-storey buildings. Thick smoke and towering flames were seen rising into the sky, as the blaze caused widespread panic among residents.
Police arrested three men in connection with the fire, saying flammable materials left during the maintenance work contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. Investigators searched a nearby neighbourhood, confiscating documents related to the suspects, who are believed to have acted with “gross negligence” by leaving foam packaging at the site.
AFP journalists at the scene reported that some apartments were still burning early Thursday morning, although the intensity of the fire had slightly decreased. Many residents were elderly and had difficulty evacuating, with some relying on neighbours to inform them of the danger. A 65-year-old resident, surnamed Yuen, said he was “devastated” after witnessing the chaos and the struggle to evacuate fellow tenants.
Among the victims was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with his colleagues and was later found with severe burns. Hong Kong’s fire department confirmed the death toll had risen to 44 on Thursday morning, while 56 others were being treated in hospitals, including 16 in critical condition. City leader John Lee reported that 279 people were still unaccounted for, though some have since been located. More than 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters.
Deputy Director of Fire Service Operations Derek Armstrong Chan said that certain floors remained inaccessible due to extreme heat, and firefighters were still unable to reach some residents requesting help. He suggested that strong winds and debris contributed to the fire spreading between buildings. Investigations into the cause of the blaze remain ongoing.
The fire prompted significant disruptions, with adjacent blocks evacuated, sections of nearby highways closed, and large-scale emergency operations underway. Residents expressed fear and uncertainty, with some reluctant to leave their apartments until they were certain the danger had passed.
International leaders expressed condolences for the victims. Chinese President Xi Jinping offered sympathy, highlighting the death of the firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty. In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended heartfelt condolences, expressing solidarity with the Hong Kong SAR government and the affected families.
Historically, deadly fires were common in Hong Kong’s densely populated neighborhoods, particularly in poorer districts. However, authorities have strengthened safety regulations in recent decades, making such large-scale tragedies increasingly rare. The Wang Fuk Court fire is a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-density residential living and ongoing construction and maintenance activities.
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