A large-scale fire tore through several high-rise apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least 44 fatalities and 279 residents still unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, which swept across seven of the eight towers in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex — a group of more than 30-storey buildings containing hundreds of apartments. At least 45 survivors remain in hospital in serious condition.
Police have arrested three men, aged 52 to 68, all linked to the construction company handling renovation work at the estate. They are being investigated on manslaughter charges amid suspicions that improper materials or unsafe renovation practices may have intensified the fire.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, described the incident as a “massive catastrophe”. The government has temporarily halted all promotional activities related to the upcoming December 7 legislative elections, and may decide soon whether the vote should be postponed.
Footage from the scene showed flames engulfing multiple floors, with sections of bamboo scaffolding and plastic coverings — installed for renovation — believed to have worsened the fire and contributed to its rapid spread. Fire officials also reported finding styrofoam, tarpaulin, and other materials that may not have met fire-safety standards.
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