Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno Leaves 36 Dead, Hundreds Missing

A Hong Kong fire at a large residential estate in Tai Po has claimed at least 36 lives, with hundreds still unaccounted for after a massive blaze tore through multiple buildings on Wednesday night. Chief Executive John Lee confirmed the death toll early Thursday, describing the incident as one of the city’s most devastating residential disasters in recent years.

Hundreds Missing as Flames Engulf Tai Po Estate

Lee said that 279 residents remained unaccounted for, while 29 people were hospitalised — seven of them in critical condition. The fire erupted on bamboo scaffolding attached to several towers at the Wang Fuk Court estate before spreading rapidly to other parts of the complex.

Thick smoke and intense flames were visible across the district as fire crews struggled to access the upper floors. An AFP reporter described loud cracking sounds from the burning bamboo and heavy smoke pouring from at least five of the estate’s eight buildings.

Local resident Mr So, 57, said the community was in shock. “It’s heartbreaking. We’re worried there are people trapped inside,” he said.

Firefighters Battling Five-Alarm Blaze

With the inferno showing no sign of easing by nightfall, authorities declared a five-alarm blaze, the highest emergency level in Hong Kong. Firefighters reported extreme difficulty entering several buildings, with officers telling AFP they were unsure whether trapped residents could still be reached.

A 37-year-old firefighter lost contact during operations and was later found severely injured. He was declared dead in hospital, Fire Services Director Andy Yeung confirmed.

Evacuations, Road Closures, and Shelters Opened

Authorities evacuated nearby blocks and closed sections of a major highway as the fire continued to spread. Two community centres were opened as temporary shelters, and a casualty hotline was established for families searching for loved ones.

Residents in surrounding areas were urged to stay indoors, close windows, and avoid the affected neighbourhood.

Concerns Over Scaffolding Fires

The blaze is the latest in a series of scaffolding-related fires in the city. The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims expressed “deep concern,” noting similar incidents in April, May, and October.

Although Hong Kong’s high-rise buildings are known for strict safety protocols, authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. Hong Kong’s densely populated residential blocks once saw frequent deadly fires, but improved regulations in recent decades have sharply reduced such incidents.

As the search for survivors continues, the scale of the tragedy has raised urgent questions about safety standards and emergency access in one of the world’s most vertical cities.