Hong Kong high-rise fire kills 44, hundreds missing as blaze engulfs Tai Po towers

Hong Kong high-rise fire kills 44, hundreds missing as blaze engulfs Tai Po towers

At least 44 people have been killed and 279 remain missing after a massive high-rise fire swept through several buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, marking one of the city’s deadliest disasters in years.

The inferno, which broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex on Wednesday afternoon, quickly escalated into a level-five fire—the highest emergency classification—sending flames and thick grey smoke billowing across the skyline.

More than 760 firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze, which authorities say has still not been fully extinguished. Images from the scene showed towering flames ripping through the 31-storey residential blocks, many of which were undergoing renovation.

Local media report that three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as investigators probe whether negligence contributed to the catastrophe. Police said mesh materials, plastic sheets and Styrofoam—none of which are fireproof—were found outside the buildings and may have accelerated the fire’s spread.

“We have reason to believe that those in charge at the company were grossly negligent, leading to the fire spreading uncontrollably and causing major casualties,” a police spokesperson said.

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Among the dead is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who was found collapsed after losing contact with his team. Rescue operations have been severely hampered by extreme heat, falling debris and limited access to upper floors.

“The temperature inside the buildings is extremely high, making it difficult to enter and conduct rescue operations,” said Derek Armstrong Chan, Deputy Director of Fire Services.

Authorities say 45 injured victims are currently in serious condition in hospitals across multiple districts.

Built in 1983, Wang Fuk Court consists of eight tower blocks housing nearly 4,600 residents. Seven of the towers have been affected. Many residents—particularly the elderly—reported non-functional fire alarms, failed elevators and blasts heard during the fire, worsening evacuation efforts.

Hong Kong’s Transport Department has created a large evacuation zone, closed several roads and diverted more than 30 bus routes to manage the emergency.

Nearby buildings were also evacuated, and multiple temporary shelters opened—though at least one had to be abandoned due to safety concerns.

As families continue reporting missing relatives late into the night, officials say the true scale of the tragedy is still unfolding.

China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed sympathy for victims and instructed authorities to “spare no effort” in controlling the fire and minimising losses.

This is Hong Kong’s first level-five fire in 17 years, recalling the deadly 2008 Cornwall Court blaze that claimed four lives.

Hong Kong high-rise fire kills 44, hundreds missing as blaze engulfs Tai Po towers

BBC