Hong Kong is reeling from a devastating fire that has claimed at least 44 lives, with 279 people still unaccounted for, according to authorities. The inferno erupted on Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district, a cluster of eight public housing towers housing about 4,600 residents. The blaze rapidly spread through the high-rise buildings, engulfing multiple towers and trapping many inside, prompting a massive emergency response and widespread evacuations.
What Happened
The fire began around 2:51 p.m. local time, reportedly starting on bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, which were undergoing exterior renovations at the time. Flames quickly spread across the complex, fueled by dry weather and the presence of flammable materials. The emergency was escalated to level 5—the highest severity—by 6:22 p.m., as firefighters battled the blaze with over 128 fire trucks and 767 personnel deployed to the scene. Thick smoke and collapsing scaffolding made rescue operations extremely dangerous, with at least one firefighter losing his life while responding to the emergency.
Impact and Response
Local authorities evacuated more than a thousand residents to temporary shelters, including community halls and schools in the area. The district office set up help desks and hotlines for affected families, while the Hong Kong Red Cross provided medical aid and supplies. The death toll continues to rise as search and rescue teams comb through the wreckage, with 279 people still missing as of Thursday morning. Police have arrested three men in connection with the fire, charging them with alleged manslaughter.
Eyewitness and Official Accounts
Residents described scenes of panic and chaos as they fled the burning complex. “I saw flames coming from the scaffolding, and then the whole building was on fire,” said Mei Ling, a resident who escaped with her family. “We barely made it out.” Hong Kong leader John Lee expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and the missing. The government is doing everything possible to support rescue and recovery efforts.”
Fire service director Andy Yeung praised the bravery of firefighters, noting that one of their own, Ho Wai-ho, died while saving others. “He was a dedicated and gallant officer,” Yeung said, emphasizing the risks faced by first responders during such disasters.
Background and Context
The Wang Fuk Court complex, built in the 1980s, has been undergoing a HK$330 million renovation project to rebuild exterior walls and improve safety. The ongoing scaffolding and dry weather conditions likely contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. This incident marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1996, when 41 people died in a similar high-rise blaze.
Next Steps
Search and rescue operations continue, with authorities urging families to report missing loved ones through official hotlines. The government has pledged a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and will review building safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. For now, the focus remains on supporting survivors and honoring those lost in the disaster.
