“44 Dead, Hundreds Missing as Massive Fire Engulfs Hong Kong Housing Complex”

The blaze broke out on 26 November 2025 at Wang Fuk Court, a high-rise residential-housing complex in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong.
The complex comprises eight towers, accommodating roughly 4,600–4,800 residents.
The towers had been under renovation and were covered with traditional bamboo scaffolding and construction netting (green mesh) when the fire started — materials suspected to have exacerbated the rapid spread.
The fire escalated quickly: emergency alarms were raised from a basic alert to a top-level “No. 5” alarm within hours.

Casualties, Missing, Damage & Rescue Situation

At least 44 people have died — including a firefighter — and 279 people remain missing.
In addition, dozens more have been hospitalized; about 45 are reported to be in critical condition.
Over 900–1,000 residents were evacuated and are currently sheltered in temporary community shelters.
Four of the seven affected blocks have now been brought under control — search and rescue operations continue in lower floors of the remaining buildings.

Police have arrested three men — two construction-company directors and a consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities allege gross negligence in using flammable or non-compliant external materials during renovation.
Officials described the fire as a “massive catastrophe.”
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of building-safety regulations in Hong Kong, especially relating to scaffolding and renovation materials.