A massive fire that ripped through several high-rise apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left the city in shock. The blaze, which began on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 27, killed at least 44 people and left 279 residents still missing, according to early Thursday reports.
The fire spread with alarming speed. Fueled by bamboo scaffolding and flammable renovation materials such as styrofoam, tarpaulin, and unsafe netting, the flames jumped from one block to another, engulfing seven of the estate’s eight towers.
Residents reported seeing thick smoke rising above the buildings as burning debris and collapsing scaffolding made rescue operations extremely dangerous.
More than 800 firefighters, paramedics, and rescue workers, supported by over 140 fire engines, were deployed after officials declared a top-level, five-alarm emergency.
Hospitals in the area have confirmed that 45 survivors are in critical condition, many suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Doctors say several victims were rescued from upper floors where temperatures had become unbearable and visibility was almost zero.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee visited survivors and the families of missing residents overnight. Deeply moved by the scale of the disaster, he described the incident as a “catastrophe.”
“The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then we’ll launch a thorough investigation.”
By early Thursday, officials said the fire was finally “gradually under control,” though parts of the affected towers remained too dangerous to enter.
Police have arrested three officials from the construction company responsible for ongoing renovation works. Investigators found large amounts of improperly stored flammable materials, which are believed to have worsened the fire’s intensity and speed.
Authorities are now investigating whether safety rules were ignored or corners were cut during the renovation.
Families gathered outside the estate hoping for news of missing loved ones as rescue teams continued searching through charred hallways and collapsed scaffolding.
The disaster has sparked widespread grief and anger across Hong Kong, with many calling for stricter safety regulations in construction and renovation projects—especially in high-rise buildings where a small error can turn into a deadly inferno.
As rescue operations continue, the number of confirmed victims may rise, and the community of Tai Po faces a long and painful road to recovery.
