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Several residential high-rise towers were heavily damaged by fire. Firefighters are working tirelessly to reach residents who may be trapped inside. Authorities suggest that foam and scaffolding netting might have played a role in the incident.
Hong Kong officials announced on Thursday that the death toll from the city’s deadliest fire in decades has risen to 65. Rescue teams have been searching the charred high-rise apartments at a complex where more than 250 individuals remain missing. Even after more than 24 hours, flames could still be seen in some of the nearly 2,000 units across eight buildings in the housing estate, as crews continue to spray water over blackened walls.
Investigations into the cause of this devastating fire are underway. Authorities are examining factors including the presence of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh used in renovations across the entire estate. The city’s anti-corruption agency has launched a probe into the renovation activities at the complex. Meanwhile, police reported the arrest of three men suspected of negligently leaving foam packaging at the scene.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court, located in Tai Po’s northern district, told AFP that they did not hear any fire alarms and had to go door-to-door to alert neighbors of the danger. One resident, identified only by the surname Suen, described the rapid spread of the flames: “The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to contain it, but it was too slow.” He added, “We knocked on doors and rang doorbells to warn everyone to evacuate—I felt it was just too late.”
By Thursday afternoon, firefighters had managed to extinguish the fires in four of the eight apartment blocks, with three others still under control. One building remained unaffected.
As of 8 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), the confirmed death count stood at 65, including a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian migrant domestic workers. This marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when an explosion and subsequent fire resulted in 135 fatalities. The number of missing persons, initially reported as 279 by city leader John Lee, has since been clarified by firefighters to include contacts with some individuals, though official updates have not been issued.
At a nearby community center, police displayed photographs of victims for identification, with one woman surnamed Cheung sharing her grief: “If the faces are unrecognizable, we have personal items to help identify them. I am overwhelmed—I can’t even put my feelings into words. There were children involved. It’s just unimaginable.”
A government spokesperson relayed that, as of Thursday evening, 12 individuals remained in critical condition, 29 are seriously ill, and 17 are stable. Fires of this severity had previously been more common in poorer areas of Hong Kong but have become less frequent thanks to improved safety protocols.
In response to the tragedy, authorities plan immediate inspections of all housing estates undergoing major renovations. City leader Lee emphasized the urgent need to shift entirely to metal scaffolding, promising collaboration with the construction sector. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences, with the Hong Kong government stating that assistance, including drones and medical supplies, would be provided.
The city is also organizing temporary accommodations and emergency financial aid for those affected. Activities related to the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for December 7 have been suspended.
Scenes from Wednesday night showcased terrifying images of charred scaffolding falling from the buildings, with flames still streaking through some windows. Wind and debris likely contributed to the fire spreading between structures. More than 900 residents sought refuge at temporary shelters overnight, some of whom returned to their homes Thursday afternoon after evacuation precautions.
Community members gathered near the complex, distributing clothing, meals, and flyers in an effort to locate missing loved ones and support first responders. Stone Ngai, one of the volunteers, expressed a community spirit: “Hong Kong people are incredibly supportive during tough times. It’s truly moving—our city’s kindness shines through during this tragedy.”
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