Devastating Fire Claims Lives and Leaves Hundreds Missing in Hong Kong

Thu Nov 27 2025 19:35:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong resulted in at least 65 fatalities, with hundreds still unaccounted for as firefighters continue their search efforts.

Firefighters are engaged in a desperate search effort following a severe blaze that erupted at a residential complex in Hong Kong, claiming at least 65 lives. The fire, the deadliest in over 70 years, has left over 270 individuals missing and spurred a criminal investigation into the construction practices that may have contributed to the catastrophe. With fears of further casualties, officials have vowed to reevaluate fire safety measures across similar buildings.

Firefighters are still searching for hundreds of missing people after a massive fire tore through multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong.

At least 65 people died in the blaze - the city's deadliest in more than 70 years - at Wang Fuk Court's complex, which is home to thousands. The tower blocks had been undergoing extensive renovations. While the exact cause of the fire is unclear, police say materials on the outside of the buildings may have facilitated its spread.

Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence, and Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee has vowed to launch a comprehensive investigation.

The fire, which tore through seven of eight tower blocks in Tai Po district on Wednesday, is now basically under control, Lee said. It started at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) on Wednesday, with flames and thick clouds of grey smoke seen billowing from the towers, dominating the city's skyline.

By 18:22 local time, officials upgraded the fire to a level five - the most serious category. Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, was among those killed in the blaze. He was found collapsed at the scene about 30 minutes after contact with him was lost.

Ten other firefighters are also injured, according to the fire department. Despite difficult conditions at the scene, firefighters have rescued 55 people thus far. More than 270 people remain unaccounted for, with 70 others injured.

The fire has sparked anger and concern among residents, many of whom reported that fire alarms were turned off during renovations. Investigations are underway into the materials used in the renovations and whether they complied with fire safety regulations.

In light of the tragedy, authorities have begun inspecting housing estates undergoing major repairs and contemplating the safety of bamboo scaffolding, which is widely used in Hong Kong's construction industry.

A map indicates that Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, has approximately 1,984 apartments and serves about 4,600 residents, many of whom are elderly. President Xi Jinping has expressed sympathy for the victims, urging efforts to minimize the losses from this tragic event.