Hong Kong is reeling after a catastrophic fire ripped through seven high-rise residential buildings in the Wang Fuk Court estate, killing at least 55 people and leaving hundreds more unaccounted for in one of the city’s worst disasters in decades. The fire began on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly engulfed multiple 31-storey towers undergoing repairs in Tai Po, where bamboo scaffolding and renovation materials helped the flames spread at alarming speed. Firefighters continued battling hotspots well into Thursday morning, with many flats still burning and thick smoke lingering above the densely populated district.
Authorities confirmed that three men linked to the engineering company handling the renovation were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence. Police said flammable foam packaging and other materials left at the site allowed the fire to spread beyond control. Officers carried out searches across the city on Thursday, seizing documents as part of the criminal probe. Many residents reported that windows had been sealed due to maintenance works, making evacuation difficult as smoke quickly filled staircases and corridors. Several elderly residents were unable to flee, prompting neighbours to call and warn one another as the buildings burned.
Fire officials described the situation as extremely dangerous, with Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan stating that temperatures inside the burning towers were too high for teams to reach all those calling for help. Flames spread between buildings due to heavy winds and falling debris, further complicating rescue efforts. Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with colleagues during the operation and was later found with severe burns.
City leader John Lee reported that more than 279 people were initially unaccounted for, though firefighters later managed to contact some of them. Over 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters after being evacuated. A government spokesperson confirmed that 56 people were hospitalised, with several in critical or serious condition. Survivors described harrowing scenes, saying they watched flames burst through windows and scaffolding collapse as smoke poured into towering blocks. Residents like Yuen, who had lived in the complex for over four decades, expressed devastation as they grappled with the scale of loss.
The tragedy marks the deadliest fire Hong Kong has witnessed in decades, recalling past disasters before safety standards were significantly tightened. With investigations underway and questions mounting over the renovation materials used, authorities have vowed full accountability as the city mourns one of its most heartbreaking incidents in recent memory.
