At least 44 people have died after a large fire ripped through multiple high-rise blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Fire crews worked through the night to reach people trapped inside and to extinguish remaining flames.
What happened
The blaze began at about 2:51pm local time (06:51 GMT) on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a public home-ownership estate built in 1983 that consists of eight towers and 1,984 flats. Local reports say seven of the towers were affected. By early Thursday, four blocks had been brought under control while crews continued operations on three buildings more than 16 hours after the fire started.
How the fire spread
Investigators say the fire began on bamboo scaffolding and the green construction netting fitted to the exterior for renovation work. Those materials ignited and allowed flames to run up building exteriors, with burning debris falling and setting neighbouring blocks alight within minutes. Wind and gaps created by renovation work likely helped the fire move quickly between towers. Police noted some external mesh and protective materials did not appear fireproof, and styrofoam was found on some windows — factors that contributed to rapid spread in densely packed, tall buildings.
Timeline and alarms
Local services escalated the response rapidly: the incident reached a level four alarm about 40 minutes after the fire started and was raised to a level five alarm — Hong Kong’s highest — by the early evening. Authorities say this is the deadliest fire in the city since at least 1962.
Casualties and hospitals
Officials confirmed 44 deaths, including one firefighter. About 279 residents were reported unaccounted for. The Hospital Authority said at least 66 people had been admitted to hospitals, with 17 in critical condition and 24 seriously injured; four of those admitted later died. Some 900 residents sought refuge in community centres following evacuations.
Emergency response and conditions on site
More than 1,200 fire and ambulance personnel were mobilised. Fire commanders said extreme heat, falling debris and unstable scaffolding blocked access to many upper-floor apartments and made rescue operations hazardous, particularly overnight. Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan said crews would continue trying to reach inaccessible floors but faced very high interior temperatures and other dangers.
Investigations and arrests
Police have opened a criminal investigation and allege gross negligence in the management of the renovation work. Two company directors and an engineering consultant, aged between 52 and 68, were arrested in connection with the blaze. Authorities are examining the exact cause and the materials used in the renovation.
Context and next steps
Wang Fuk Court is part of Hong Kong’s subsidised home-ownership programme; the wider Tai Po area is home to roughly 300,000 people. Property records and reports indicate the complex was undergoing major renovation work, with reported costs of about $42.43 million. Officials had warned of elevated fire risk earlier in the week due to dry weather.
Firefighters, investigators and police continued operations on Thursday, saying rescue and evidence-gathering would remain difficult until interior temperatures fell and unstable external scaffolding and debris were secured.