At Least 36 Dead, Nearly 300 Missing as Massive Fire Sweeps Hong Kong Housing Complex

A catastrophic fire in Hong Kong has torn through a densely populated housing complex, killing at least 36 people and leaving nearly 300 residents unaccounted for as of early Thursday morning local time. Authorities say additional victims may still be trapped on upper floors of several high-rise buildings where temperatures remain dangerously high.

The blaze began shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday at Wang Cheong House, a 32-story tower undergoing renovation and covered in bamboo scaffolding. Flames quickly climbed the building’s exterior and then spread to surrounding towers within Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex in the Tai Po neighborhood that is home to more than 4,000 people — many of them seniors.

As burning scaffolding collapsed, residents evacuated where they could, while others were forced to shelter inside their apartments. Firefighters have deployed hundreds of personnel, 128 fire engines, and 57 ambulances, but officials say extreme heat is preventing them from reaching higher floors where people are known to be trapped. Residents were urged to seal doors and windows with tape and wet towels to keep out smoke until rescuers can reach them.

Among those killed was a 37-year-old firefighter who sustained injuries while attempting rescues. Several others have been hospitalized for exhaustion and trauma. Officials say 279 people were still missing as of early Thursday, with search operations continuing around the clock.

This is now believed to be Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than 30 years. Major disasters of this scale are rare in the city, which is known for strict building safety standards. However, bamboo scaffolding — widely used in construction and renovations — contributed to the rapid spread of flames.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee called the fire a “major disaster,” expressing condolences to the families affected and pledging full rescue efforts. Chinese President Xi Jinping has also offered condolences and called for “all-out efforts” to minimize further casualties.

Emergency crews remain on scene as residents await word on missing loved ones and investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.

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