Hong Kong Inferno: Death Toll Rises to 44 as Search for Missing Continues

November 27, 2025: A massive fire that tore through a high-rise residential complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with authorities confirming at least 44 people dead, including one firefighter. Rescue efforts are urgently continuing for a large number of residents, with approximately 279 people still reported missing as of Thursday morning.

The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, quickly escalated to the city’s highest alert level—a No. 5 alarm—and spread across seven of the complex’s eight residential towers. The fire is now considered the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades, raising serious questions about building safety and renovation practices in the densely populated city.

The Unstoppable Spread of the Fire

The speed and scale of the fire have been described by officials as “unusual.” The complex, which houses around 4,800 residents, was undergoing major renovations at the time, and the buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting.

• The Suspects: Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started on the external scaffolding of one tower.
• Rapid Ignition: Officials suspect that highly flammable materials, including styrofoam found near lift windows on every floor and non-compliant netting/tarpaulin used on the exterior, may have allowed the flames to race through the structure at an alarming pace.
• The Challenge: The immense heat, thick smoke, and continuous collapse of the burning bamboo scaffolding have made rescue operations extremely difficult for firefighters.

Arrests and Official Response

In response to the growing tragedy, Hong Kong police have arrested three men—two directors and a consultant of the construction company responsible for the renovation work—on suspicion of manslaughter. Police believe their “gross negligence” regarding the materials used may have led to the fire spreading uncontrollably.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has called the incident a “massive catastrophe” and has ordered an inspection of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations.

Rescuers have been working through the night to locate trapped residents. Dozens of people have been rushed to hospitals, with at least 45 still in serious condition. Around 900 people have been evacuated and are currently seeking shelter in nearby community centres, anxiously awaiting news of their missing loved ones. The tragedy has also led to the suspension of electioneering activities ahead of the upcoming local election.

A City in Shock

The disaster has brought back painful memories of previous major fires in Hong Kong, and the sheer devastation has shocked residents. Many of the building’s occupants are elderly, and some reported keeping their windows closed due to the renovation work, potentially hindering their awareness of the immediate danger and ability to escape.

As firefighters continue their heroic work to fully extinguish the remaining flames and conduct a floor-by-floor search for survivors, the city is grappling with the magnitude of the disaster. The focus remains on rescue, supporting the victims and their families, and launching a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent a similar tragedy in the future.