More Than 250 Missing After Hong Kong Deadliest Blaze

Hong Kong is facing its deadliest fire in decades after a major blaze swept through residential towers in Tai Po, killing at least 55 people and leaving many more injured.

The fire broke out on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, an eight-block housing estate with 2,000 flats, and spread with exceptional speed. Flames continued to burn in some units more than a day later as firefighters worked to contain remaining hotspots. 

Four towers were fully engulfed, three were partially brought under control, and one was left untouched. Chief Executive John Lee has ordered inspections of all housing estates undergoing large-scale construction.

Authorities are examining whether renovation materials contributed to the rapid spread. Bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh surrounding the buildings are suspected of intensifying the flames, and police have arrested three men accused of leaving foam packaging on the site. 

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has launched an inquiry into the renovation contracts, raising concerns about possible negligence and regulatory failures. Residents reported that fire alarms did not activate, leaving neighbours to alert each other by knocking on doors and ringing bells. 

One resident, surnamed Suen, said the fire moved so quickly that a single hose was being used on several buildings, slowing efforts to contain the blaze. Officials confirmed that 51 people died at the scene and four more died in hospital. 

A 37-year-old firefighter was among the victims after losing contact with colleagues and later being found with severe burns. Sixty-one people remain in hospital, 15 of them in critical condition. The Indonesian consulate has identified two of the deceased as migrant domestic workers.

More than 900 residents spent the night in temporary shelters as volunteers organised supplies, shared information and assisted those searching for missing relatives. Local groups have set up aid stations to distribute food, clothing and essential items.

Conditions at the estate remain dangerous. Scaffolding has collapsed from the exterior of the towers, and fires have burned through shattered windows. Fire service officials said intense heat and falling debris prevented crews from reaching some residents who had called for help. 

Deputy director Derek Armstrong Chan noted that strong winds likely pushed the flames from one block to another. Messages of sympathy have come from senior officials, including President Xi Jinping, who praised the firefighter who died in service. Lee has pledged full support for affected families.