Hong Kong witnessed a level-5 blaze tore through Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court complex, killing scores, leaving hundreds unaccounted for and prompting a major criminal inquiry.
A massive fire in Hong Kong’s New Territories has become one of the deadliest disasters the city has faced in decades, leaving at least 55 people dead and many more unaccounted for as rescuers comb through charred apartment blocks. The blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon in Wang Fuk Court, a densely populated residential estate in the Tai Po district, before spreading rapidly across multiple towers.
Fire crews battled the level-5 blaze through the night, struggling against intense heat and smoke as flames climbed scaffolding and construction netting draped around buildings undergoing renovation. A 37-year-old firefighter was killed during rescue operations, underscoring the scale of the emergency. Authorities say at least 62 people were injured, while hundreds of residents fled as smoke poured from windows across seven of the estate’s eight towers.
By Thursday morning, officials said 279 residents had initially been listed as uncontactable, though more than 70 had since been located. Rescue teams warned the death toll could rise as searches continue in severely damaged blocks. The complex houses nearly 4,800 residents in about 2,000 flats, including many elderly people.
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Police have arrested three men—two directors of a construction firm and an engineering consultant—on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigators say highly flammable polystyrene boards, canvas sheets and plastic coverings were found near windows and entrances, potentially accelerating the spread of the fire. Authorities are also examining why some alarms were deactivated during ongoing renovation work.
Hong Kong’s Security Secretary Chris Tang called the fire’s behavior “unusual,” while senior police superintendent Eileen Chung said early findings pointed to possible negligence by those responsible for the building works. Officials believe the blaze may have started on external scaffolding before engulfing Wang Cheong House and racing to adjoining towers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and announced a contribution of two million yuan to support emergency operations through the Red Cross Society of China. He urged authorities to “do everything possible” to reduce casualties. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the government would focus fully on the crisis and temporarily pause public campaigning ahead of next month’s Legislative Council elections.
Hundreds of Firefighters, Paramedics and Police officers remain deployed across the estate, where temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents. Locals fear more people may still be trapped inside, as rescue efforts continue under hazardous conditions.