At least 44 people have lost their lives, and nearly 300 residents remain missing after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than 30 years swept through multiple residential towers in Tai Po on Wednesday. Authorities have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter as investigations continue.
The blaze began mid-afternoon on bamboo scaffolding surrounding a 32-storey residential tower under renovation. Fueled by construction materials, protective netting, and strong winds, the fire quickly spread across seven buildings within an eight-tower complex, sending thick smoke billowing across the New Territories district.
Hundreds of residents — many of them older adults — evacuated as burning debris fell from upper floors. More than 900 people were relocated to temporary shelters as emergency teams battled the rapidly advancing flames.
Over 140 fire engines and 60 ambulances were deployed to the scene. According to Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Armstrong Chan, rescue operations were severely hindered by collapsing scaffolding and extreme indoor temperatures. At least 45 individuals are being treated in hospitals, several of them in critical condition.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that a joint team from the Police Force and Fire Services Department has begun a full investigation. The fire was brought “under control” shortly after midnight. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences for the firefighter who died during the operation and extended sympathies to affected families.
The residential estate, built in the 1980s and currently undergoing a major renovation, experienced rapid fire spread due to wind channels between the closely spaced towers. This incident is believed to be Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since a 1996 level-five blaze in Kowloon, which killed 41 people.
