44 Dead, Hundreds Missing After Massive Blaze Engulfs 7 High-Rise Buildings in Hong Kong; 3 Arrested

According to emergency officials, the inferno swept through seven interconnected apartment towers within the Wang Fuk Court housing estate—an area home to more than 2,000 apartments—after flames erupted on bamboo scaffolding set up for ongoing repair works.

Three Arrested for Gross Negligence

Hong Kong Police announced early Thursday that three men were arrested in connection with the blaze. Investigators believe flammable foam packaging and construction materials left unattended during maintenance work accelerated the rapid spread of the fire.

Police officers were later seen collecting documents from nearby premises, stating that the suspects may have “acted with gross negligence” in their handling of site safety protocols.

Firefighter Among the Dead

Among the confirmed fatalities is a 37-year-old firefighter, discovered half an hour after losing contact with his team. Fire Service Director Andy Yeung reported that the victim suffered severe burns while attempting to reach residents trapped inside the burning tower.

Dozens Hospitalized — 16 Critical

A government spokesperson confirmed that 56 people were hospitalized, with 16 in critical condition, 24 seriously injured, and the remainder stable.

City leader John Lee said earlier that 279 residents were unaccounted for, though authorities have since managed to contact several of them as communication improves.

More than 900 residents, many elderly or mobility-impaired, took shelter in temporary relief centers set up overnight.

“We Heard Cracking… The Fire Moved Too Fast”

Residents described scenes of chaos as flames leapt between buildings.

A long-time occupant surnamed Yuen, 65, said many did not realize the danger because maintenance work had sealed windows.

“Some people didn’t even know there was a fire until neighbors called to warn them. I’m devastated,” he told Pudvi Times.

AFP reporters on the scene noted intense heat, falling burnt scaffolding, and thick columns of smoke rising into the night sky. Fire crews reported struggling to reach some floors due to extreme temperatures.

Fire Spread Through Wind-Carried Debris

Deputy Fire Director Derek Armstrong Chan said drifting debris and strong winds likely pushed the fire from one building to another.
However, he emphasized that the exact cause remains under investigation.

A City in Mourning

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to victims and the deceased firefighter. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said he was “deeply saddened” and assured full government support for affected families.

Residents like Mr. So, 57, expressed heartbreak:

“We can rebuild homes, but we can’t replace lives. I only hope everyone missing comes back safely.”

Authorities evacuated surrounding blocks and temporarily shut a nearby highway to enable rescue operations.

A Rare but Tragic Disaster

While Hong Kong’s skyline is filled with towering residential estates, deadly fires have become uncommon thanks to strengthened safety regulations.
Wednesday’s blaze is a stark reminder of the devastating potential of high-rise fires in one of the world’s most densely populated urban landscapes.