Firefighters in Hong Kong continued battling a massive blaze on Thursday after a devastating fire tore through a high-rise housing estate in Tai Po, killing at least 44 people and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. The disaster, described as the city’s worst in decades, erupted suddenly on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly engulfed several towers of the densely populated Wang Fuk Court complex.
How the tragedy unfolded
The fire began around 2:50 pm on Wednesday at the expansive eight-building estate, which houses nearly 2,000 units across multiple 32-storey residential blocks. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but early indications suggest that ongoing repair work played a significant role.
The buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding — a traditional construction method still widely used in Hong Kong. Though culturally significant, bamboo is highly flammable. Authorities had issued warnings in the past after a similar fire spread quickly through bamboo structures in October. While plans were in place to transition to fire-resistant steel scaffolding, the Wang Fuk Court premises remained enveloped in bamboo when the fire broke out.
By early Thursday, police confirmed that three men had been arrested. Investigators allege that flammable materials left unsecured during maintenance may have accelerated the spread of the blaze, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the flames in time.
Rapid spread across multiple towers
When fire crews reached the estate, several blocks were already engulfed. AFP journalists arriving at daybreak on Thursday reported that some flats continued to burn even as the blaze weakened overnight. The sound of cracking bamboo echoed across the area, with thick smoke drifting between the towers and glowing embers falling onto nearby structures.
A long-time resident surnamed Yuen, 65, who has lived in the estate for over four decades, said many residents were elderly and unaware of the spreading fire. With windows sealed during maintenance, some residents did not immediately sense the danger and had to be alerted through hurried phone calls from neighbours. “I’m devastated,” Yuen told AFP, noting that many families were caught off guard.
Fire officials said that strong winds played a major role in pushing burning debris from one tower to another, creating a chain reaction. Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of fire service operations, said extreme heat made it difficult for firefighters to reach several floors where residents had issued distress calls. “We will keep trying,” he assured.
Rising casualties and a city in shock
By Thursday morning, authorities confirmed 44 deaths, including that of a 37-year-old firefighter who was found with severe burns after losing contact with his team for nearly half an hour. Fire services director Andy Yeung said search efforts were ongoing.
Hong Kong leader John Lee said earlier that 279 people were unaccounted for, though rescue teams later managed to reach some of those initially believed missing. More than 900 residents were moved to temporary shelters as search and rescue work continued through the night.
At makeshift shelters, police struggled to verify the number of missing individuals as distraught residents arrived late into the night to report family members who had not been located. Scenes at the estate remained chaotic. Charred scaffolding collapsed intermittently, flames burst through shattered windows and an orange glow illuminated adjoining buildings. Authorities evacuated residents by coach, and local media reported that neighbouring blocks were being cleared as a precaution. Parts of a nearby highway were closed to facilitate the firefighting effort.
Voices from the ground
A Tai Po local surnamed So, 57, stood outside the cordoned-off area, watching firefighters continue operations. “There’s nothing that can be done about the property. We can only hope that everyone, no matter old or young, can return safely,” he said.
Another resident, a homeowner in his 40s, appeared visibly shaken. “The fire is not yet under control, and I dare not leave,” he said, unsure of what to do next.
Reaction from mainland China and officials
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims and also to the family of the firefighter who died in the line of duty. State media reported that he instructed authorities to “make every effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses”.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and assured that all relevant government departments were coordinating efforts to assist residents and stabilise the situation.
Hong Kong, which decades ago witnessed frequent fires in crowded neighbourhoods, has made significant strides in improving safety standards. However, the scale and speed of Wednesday’s blaze have reignited concerns around building safety, maintenance practices and the risks linked to ageing infrastructure.
Conclusion
As the city awaits a full investigation report, residents and officials alike are grappling with memories of one of Hong Kong’s most devastating fires. The tragedy has revived longstanding questions about construction safety and emergency preparedness, leaving the community bracing for answers in the days ahead.