Hong Kong Tower Fire Leaves 44 Dead and Hundreds Missing as Investigation Begins

Hong Kong Tower Fire Leaves 44 Dead and Hundreds Missing as Investigation Begins
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A massive fire that swept through several high-rise residential blocks in Hong Kong has left at least 44 people dead and 45 in critical condition, with hundreds still unaccounted for, The Guardian reported. The blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a housing complex of eight 31-storey towers containing roughly 2,000 flats and home to an estimated 4,800 residents.

Officials said three men aged 52 to 68 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as authorities launch a full investigation. Firefighters battled a five-alarm blaze—the city’s highest emergency rating—deploying nearly 800 personnel and more than 120 fire engines. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, said the fire was gradually coming under control but warned that extreme heat inside the towers had hindered rescue operations. One firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, was among those killed.

Videos showed flames engulfing multiple floors and smoke pouring from the buildings as distressed residents gathered outside. Authorities said the fire may have started in bamboo and mesh scaffolding surrounding the towers, though the cause has not been confirmed. Temporary shelters have been opened for displaced residents, and a casualty hotline has been set up. The incident is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, prompting renewed scrutiny of construction safety and building practices.