Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Rises to 44; 279 Missing in Worst Blaze in Decades

Hongkong: The death toll in Hong Kong’s worst fire accident in decades has risen to 44. Following the massive blaze that broke out in a multi-storey building, 279 people have been reported missing, and 62 others were injured. Many were admitted to hospitals with severe burns and complications caused by inhaling smoke. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident — all are employees of the company responsible for the building’s maintenance.

The fire broke out on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a high-rise residential complex. Among the dead is a 37-year-old firefighter. The complex is located in Tai Po in the New Territories, near the Chinese border. The flames spread across seven-storey buildings within the compound. The complex consists of eight towers with approximately 2,000 apartments. As the fire, which began in the afternoon, continued to rage into the night, authorities raised the alert to Level 5, the highest emergency level.

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire originated from bamboo scaffolding installed for repair work. The flames then spread along the scaffolding and protective construction nets surrounding multiple apartment blocks. Strong winds and scattered construction debris helped the fire spread rapidly. Residents said many of the occupants were elderly and therefore unable to evacuate quickly. Because the windows had been sealed shut for repair work, several residents learned about the fire only after neighbours alerted them.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expressed condolences over the tragedy. Numerous videos from the scene circulated widely, showing flames engulfing multiple buildings, fire bursting through windows, and thick smoke rising. Footage also showed firefighters struggling to bring the blaze under control.