Daijiworld Media Network – Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Nov 27: In one of the deadliest tragedies to strike Hong Kong in recent decades, the death toll from a massive high-rise fire in Tai Po climbed to 44, officials confirmed on Thursday, even as pockets of the blaze continued to smoulder. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, plunging the city into deep grief and uncertainty.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, an eight-building residential complex housing nearly 2,000 apartments. The incident sent shockwaves across the densely populated metropolis known for its towering residential blocks.

Authorities revealed that the inferno initially erupted on bamboo scaffolding used for large-scale maintenance work. Within moments, huge flames shot skyward, accompanied by loud cracking sounds, while thick black smoke engulfed the area. Burning scaffolding and debris rained down, heightening panic among residents.

Police announced the arrest of three men on suspicion of manslaughter, though details on their alleged involvement remain undisclosed.

For many residents, the situation turned dire due to closed, sealed windows during the maintenance work. A 65-year-old tenant surnamed Yuen, who has lived in the complex for more than 40 years, described heartbreaking scenes.

“Many elderly neighbours didn’t even know there was a fire,” he said. “They had to be alerted through phone calls. There is loss of property, loss of life… even a firefighter has died.”
More than 900 residents sought temporary refuge, while others continued to arrive through the night to report missing family members.

Fire services deputy director Derek Armstrong Chan said extreme temperatures inside the buildings hindered rescue efforts.

“There are floors we still cannot reach. But we will keep trying,” he assured, adding that strong winds and drifting embers may have caused the fire to spread rapidly between blocks.
China’s President Xi Jinping expressed condolences, paying tribute to the firefighter who died in the line of duty and urging authorities to minimise casualties.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said he was “deeply saddened” by the scale of the disaster and confirmed that multiple government departments have been mobilised to support affected families.

Residents from adjacent blocks were evacuated by buses as a precaution, and sections of a nearby highway were temporarily shut down to facilitate firefighting operations.

A resident surnamed So, 57, summed up the emotional toll:

“It’s heartbreaking. Forget the property—let everyone, young or old, return safely.”

With dozens dead, hundreds missing and families in despair, Hong Kong faces one of its gravest urban tragedies in recent memory. Rescue teams continue to battle through heat, debris and uncertainty as the search for survivors goes on.