China Hong Kong high-rise fire: dozens dead and hundreds missing
- The death toll has risen to at least 44 following the devastating fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong. A further 45 people were in a critical condition, according to the Hong Kong authorities. In addition, around 280 residents were still missing, said Chief Executive John Lee. Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter who was found unconscious at the scene and died in hospital.
27.11.2025, 00:51
SDA
The fire broke out on Wednesday in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district and quickly spread through several scaffolded high-rise buildings. The authorities declared a level five alert - the highest category. The fire department reported extreme temperatures on the upper floors and difficult conditions for fighting the fire. Extinguishing work continued through the night; the fire was now under control in four of the eight apartment blocks.
Arrests on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter
The cause of the fire was initially unclear. The authorities are investigating in particular the safety standards of the traditional bamboo scaffolding and the protective nets attached to it, with which all the buildings were clad due to renovation work. In this context, three men - according to media reports, two directors and a technical consultant from a construction company - were arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
Investigators found windows covered with polystyrene panels - a highly flammable plastic that is often used as insulation material - that were partially blocked, as well as suspected substandard building materials. Both could have contributed to the fire spreading so quickly.
Dramatic scenes during the night
According to reports citing the fire department, the flames engulfed seven blocks of flats in the complex. On Wednesday afternoon, several calls were received from people trapped in their homes. The area comprises eight apartment buildings, each with 32 floors and just under 2,000 apartments. The buildings were all surrounded by scaffolding for renovation work.
Photos and videos from the scene showed large plumes of smoke rising from the scaffolded high-rise apartment buildings. It was also possible to see how the façade scaffolding was in flames over several storeys and burning parts were falling to the ground. In addition, pockets of fire could be seen inside individual apartments. The Hong Kong police set up a telephone service so that the public could obtain information about the victims.
Hundreds of firefighters on the scene
Chief Executive Lee said that the fire department was "gradually bringing the fire under control" and that all available forces had been mobilized. China's head of state and party leader Xi Jinping conveyed condolences from Beijing, as reported by Chinese state television. He assured the special administrative region of his support.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, more than 800 firefighters and paramedics with over 140 vehicles were deployed.
