Hong Kong, Nov 27 (V7N) – A catastrophic fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a large residential complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, resulting in at least 44 confirmed deaths, including a firefighter, and leaving hundreds of residents unaccounted for. The fire has caused multiple serious injuries and trapped numerous people inside the high-rise buildings.

Wang Fuk Court comprises eight blocks with more than 1,900 apartments, housing around 4,600 residents. The blaze began at the external bamboo scaffolding and renovation netting on one of the towers and spread rapidly to seven of the eight blocks, fueled by flammable materials and strong winds. Thick black smoke was visible from the site as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Authorities deployed over 128 fire engines and 57 ambulances in a massive rescue operation. Hundreds of residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, while dozens remain hospitalized in critical condition. Initial fire reports classified the incident as a level 1 alarm, which was subsequently raised to level 5 — the highest emergency classification — as the fire intensified.

Police have confirmed multiple fatalities and serious injuries. Among the dead is one firefighter who was part of the frontline response team. Footage from the scene shows balconies and scaffolding engulfed in flames, with burning debris falling to the ground.

Three individuals have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the fire’s cause, focusing on potential safety violations, including improper use of bamboo scaffolding and other flammable renovation materials.

The government has urged residents to stay clear of the affected area, while nearby roads remain closed and public transport routes diverted due to ongoing rescue operations. Rescue teams continue searching through the debris for survivors, and officials have warned that the death toll and number of missing people may rise as operations continue.

Emergency response teams are coordinating with local hospitals, fire departments, and civil defense units to provide medical assistance and shelter for displaced residents. Safety officials have also announced plans to review high-rise fire safety regulations, particularly regarding renovation works and flammable materials in densely populated residential complexes.

The incident at Wang Fuk Court is now considered the deadliest residential fire in Hong Kong in decades, highlighting urgent concerns over building safety and fire prevention measures in the city’s high-density housing areas.

END/WD/SMA/