How does a fire rage through a Hong Kong high-rise like a wildfire in the city?
On Wednesday, flames tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, leaving at least 44 dead and 279 missing.
Scores of residents were still being pulled from burning apartments by early Thursday.
It’s the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades.
The blaze, which started on scaffolding outside a 32-story tower, quickly spread across seven of the eight buildings.
Police suspect highly flammable materials, including Styrofoam, installed during recent renovations, helped the inferno race upwards.
“We have reason to believe those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent,” said senior police superintendent Eileen Chung.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Hong Kong Fire Response
Firefighters battled intense heat, falling debris, and thick smoke, deploying over 200 vehicles and around 100 ambulances.
One firefighter died, another was treated for heat exhaustion.
Deputy Fire Chief Derek Chan described conditions as “very difficult… high temperatures inside make it hard to conduct rescue operations.”
About 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters.
City leader John Lee said the government would focus on disaster relief, pausing preparations for the upcoming elections.
As residents watched their homes consumed, one tenant sighed: “I’ve given up thinking about my property.
Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.”
In a city of towering concrete and bamboo scaffolds, Hong Kong is reminded how quickly disaster can strike—and how fragile safety can feel.
