At Least 65 Dead, Hundreds Missing as Massive Fire Rips Through Hong Kong High-Rise Buildings

A devastating fire swept through high-rise residential blocks in Hong Kong, leaving at least 65 people dead and hundreds unaccounted for. Emergency crews battled intense flames and heavy smoke as desperate residents were evacuated or trapped inside. Authorities say the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, while hospitals report being overwhelmed with injured survivors. The disaster marks one of the deadliest urban fires in the city’s recent history, prompting urgent questions about building safety and emergency response.

HONG KONG — At least 65 people have been confirmed dead and more than 270 remain unaccounted for after a massive fire tore through multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex on Wednesday, marking the city’s deadliest blaze since 1948. About 70 people were injured, and some residents remain trapped as rescuers continue urgent search efforts.

Hundreds of firefighters battled the raging flames and heavy smoke for hours before bringing the fire largely under control. The blaze erupted at 2:51 p.m. local time and was upgraded to a level-five emergency the highest classification less than four hours later. Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, was among those killed, and ten other firefighters were injured while attempting rescues in dangerous conditions.

The housing estate, built in 1983 and home to roughly 4,600 residents many of them elderly was undergoing major renovations when the fire spread rapidly across scaffolding and exterior materials. Police said non-fireproof mesh, plastic sheeting and Styrofoam found on the outside of the buildings likely fueled the spread, while bamboo scaffolding connecting the towers may have accelerated the flames. Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption has opened a criminal investigation tied to the renovation work.

Survivors described chaotic evacuations, failed alarms and halted elevators that left many unable to escape. Residents reported explosions and said fire hoses could not reach upper floors of the 31-story towers. As of Thursday, 55 people had been rescued, but unstable scaffolding and falling debris continue to slow progress.

Temporary shelters have been opened across the district, where families desperate for news have been gathering. Local businesses, including Alibaba Group, have pledged millions of Hong Kong dollars toward relief efforts. Major roads remain closed, more than 30 bus routes have been diverted, and 13 schools have suspended classes.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee vowed full accountability and ordered inspections of all housing estates currently undergoing major repairs, including a review of the widespread use of bamboo scaffolding. China’s President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and urged officials to focus on rescue and recovery.

Campaigning for Hong Kong’s December 7 Legislative Council election has been suspended.

The previous worst fire in Hong Kong history occurred in 1948, killing 176 people after an explosion ignited a warehouse.

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Source: BBC