Hong Kong high-rise tragedy: Fire claims 44 lives, sparks probe into negligence
Hong Kong — The city reeled on Thursday as a massive fire tore through a cluster of high-rise residential buildings in Tai Po. The blaze killed 44 people, injured dozens, and left hundreds unaccounted for. The tragedy triggered a fast-moving investigation and raised urgent questions about safety standards in one of the world’s most vertical cities.
The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a housing estate with eight towers and nearly 2,000 apartments. Flames first surged through bamboo scaffolding used for ongoing repair work. Strong winds carried burning debris across towers. Within minutes, the estate turned into a towering inferno.
Authorities moved quickly. Police arrested three men early Thursday. Officers said the men left flammable foam packaging in the area, creating conditions that allowed the blaze to grow rapidly. Investigators searched another neighbourhood and seized documents linked to the suspects. Police accused the three of acting with gross negligence.
Firefighters battled extreme heat through the night. By dawn, some flats still burned. Charred scaffolding clung to the towers, and smoke curled upward as emergency teams worked floor by floor. Fire operations deputy director Derek Armstrong Chan said crews struggled to reach several residents who called for help. He said high temperatures and collapsing material blocked access to multiple areas. Still, firefighters continued their effort.
Residents described chaos. A long-time resident surnamed Yuen said many elderly neighbours failed to notice the fire because maintenance work kept windows shut. He said neighbours warned each other by phone. He watched the blaze spread and said the scale of destruction left him devastated.
The fire also claimed the life of a 37-year-old firefighter. Officials found him with burn injuries after he lost contact with his team. The fire department said 56 people remained in hospitals. Sixteen were in critical condition, 24 in serious condition, and 16 were stable. City leader John Lee said 279 residents were initially missing. Later, firefighters confirmed contact with some of them, but uncertainty remained high.
The government opened temporary shelters. More than 900 people sought refuge. Police officers at the centres said the list of missing people kept changing because families arrived through the night to report loved ones.
Eyewitnesses saw entire sections of scaffolding crumble. Flames burst through windows and lit the skyline with an orange glare. Local media reported evacuations of nearby blocks. Authorities also shut parts of a major highway to support rescue work.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences, including a message honouring the firefighter who died. John Lee expressed deep sorrow and assured residents that all government agencies were working to support victims.
In Tai Po, distress filled the streets. A resident surnamed So said the scene broke his heart. Another resident said he refused to leave because the fire remained unpredictable. He urged the government to help displaced families.
Hong Kong once grappled with frequent deadly fires. However, improved regulations reduced such disasters in recent decades. This tragedy now forces the city to confront old fears again as investigators examine how a repair site turned into one of Hong Kong’s deadliest fires in years.
