Tragic Hong Kong Fire Claims 44 Lives as Investigations Begin

Thu Nov 27 2025 22:42:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court leaves at least 44 dead and hundreds missing, prompting arrests related to manslaughter. The fire is classified as the deadliest in over 60 years.

A catastrophic fire erupted in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex, resulting in a tragic death toll of at least 44 individuals and over 270 reported missing. Sixteen of the dead were identified as firefighters and civilians, with the blaze spreading rapidly due to construction materials and possibly faulty safety measures. Investigations have led to the arrest of three men on manslaughter charges as the city grapples with the aftermath, while emergency shelters have been established for thousands of displaced residents.

A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 44 people, making it the deadliest in more than 60 years. More than 270 have been reported missing and thousands of residents are in evacuation shelters.

Pictures show several buildings ablaze, and thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating the Chinese territory's skyline.

As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with more than 760 firefighters deployed to the scene.

Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to the fire, according to local media reports, and an investigation has been launched.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences to victims, including a 'firefighter who died in the line of duty', state media report.

The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT).

Wang Fuk Court consists of eight tower blocks, each 31 storeys high. Seven have been affected by the fire. They provide 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents.

Built in 1983, the tower blocks were undergoing renovations, and the outer side of the buildings was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding. Footage shows the fire spreading quickly through the bamboo.

There have been reports by residents that fire alarms did not sound.

A preliminary investigation found that the rapid spread of the fire was unusual, with the use of polystyrene around windows identified as a possible factor.

The Hong Kong fire department has classified the blaze as a level five alarm, the highest severity level, marking the first incident of its kind in 17 years.

As of this morning, the death toll has risen dramatically, while police officials have been coordinating efforts to help residents locate missing family members.

An emergency hotline has been established, and several shelters are now in operation to accommodate those displaced by the fire.

Authorities have arrested three men connected to the construction work at the site, indicating possible gross negligence leading to the rapid spread of the fire.