Hong Kong Tower Fire Results in 44 Casualties, Police Arrest Construction Executives
A devastating fire swept through multiple residential towers in Tai Po district of Hong Kong, leaving at least 44 people dead and 45 in critical condition. Authorities say 279 residents are still unaccounted for as firefighters continue efforts to fully contain the blaze.
Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter, including two directors of a construction firm and an engineering consultant. The buildings were under renovation, and officers say mesh and plastic sheeting found on the windows may have helped the flames spread rapidly. Fire crews expect operations to last throughout the day. Four of the eight affected towers are now under control, yet thick smoke still hangs over the estate.
Hundreds of residents have been moved to temporary shelters where food, water and psychological support are being provided. Thirteen nearby schools have suspended classes due to heavy smoke and significant disruption caused by the emergency response.
Residents who spent the night elsewhere have begun returning to assess the damage. Many have described serious safety concerns linked to renovation works, including alarms switched off and windows sealed with non-fireproof materials. One 82-year-old woman told local media she refused to leave the area until the fire had died down.
Condolences from over the world
International condolences have arrived from the United States, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Hong Kong has also suspended campaigning ahead of its Legislative Council election on December 7 to focus on relief efforts.
Attention is now turning to renovation materials used on the estate. Construction experts say substandard netting and debris left on scaffolding can accelerate fire spread, especially in dry conditions. Fire officials also reported the presence of highly flammable styrofoam boards on the windows of the affected blocks.
Deadliest in six decades
The disaster is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than six decades, matching the toll of a 1962 blaze in Sham Shui Po. Nearly 40% of Wang Fuk Court’s 4,600 residents are elderly, raising further concern about evacuation challenges in high-rise social housing.
Police say the construction company involved may have shown gross negligence, contributing to the scale of the tragedy. Donations for relief have begun arriving from the Chinese Red Cross and major companies including Anta, Xiaomi and Tencent.
As the search continues for those still missing, questions are mounting over building safety standards and the oversight of large-scale renovation projects in one of the world’s densest and most expensive housing markets.
