At least 44 people were killed and hundreds remained unaccounted for after a massive fire tore through a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in decades. Firefighters were still battling pockets of flames on Thursday at Wang Fuk Court, an eight-building estate in Tai Po with nearly 2,000 apartments, as shocked residents gathered nearby.
The fire began on bamboo scaffolding set up for renovation work and quickly spread across several 31-storey towers. Authorities say flammable foam materials left behind during maintenance fuelled the blaze. Police have arrested three men on suspicion of gross negligence and recovered documents linked to the ongoing investigation.
Survivors recounted panic and confusion, especially among elderly residents who were trapped behind sealed windows due to repair work. Many only realised the danger after neighbours called to alert them. Dense smoke, falling scaffolding, and extreme heat made rescue operations difficult, with fire crews saying they still could not reach some floors where residents had requested help.
A 37-year-old firefighter was among the dead. Hospitals are treating 56 injured people, including several in critical condition. Over 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters, and authorities continue verifying the status of those still missing