Death toll rises to 55; dozens injured, hundreds missing—What we know so far

Hong Kong Fire: One of Hong Kong’s deadliest fires in decades has now claimed at least 55 lives, after a massive blaze tore through a residential apartment complex on Wednesday. Authorities said 51 bodies were found inside the burning buildings, while four others died after being taken to hospitals, as per foreign media reports.

The death toll is expected to rise further as search operations continue. Thick plumes of smoke were still seen pouring out of the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a densely populated district near the mainland border, even as firefighters worked through the night to bring the fire under control.

Hong Kong Fire: What we know so far

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The fire, which started shortly before 3 pm (HKT) on Wednesday, quickly spread across seven of the complex’s eight residential towers. Authorities said flames in four buildings had been put out, while three others remained under control by Thursday afternoon. More than 70 people have been injured, many with burns and smoke inhalation.

Among the dead is a firefighter who lost his life while responding to the emergency. Officials confirmed that a 37-year-old firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, collapsed inside the building and could not be revived. “I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman,” said Andy Yeung, director of the fire service, foreign media reported.

This tragedy is now Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than 60 years, and authorities have classified it as a level five alarm — the highest severity rating. The flames could be seen from miles away, with local media reporting explosions inside the towers and hoses struggling to reach upper floors.

More than 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances and 400 police officers have been deployed to the scene.

The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing complex built in 1983 and home to about 4,600 residents across eight 31-storey towers. Nearly 40 per centg of the residents are over 65, making the evacuation especially challenging.

The buildings were under renovation at the time of the fire, with bamboo scaffolding and green netting covering the exterior — a detail now central to the investigation.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but early findings point to how rapidly it spread. Hong Kong’s security secretary said investigators found the speed of the fire’s expansion “unusual.” Police say mesh netting, plastic sheets and styrofoam—all believed to be flammable—were found on the exterior. These materials, used during renovation, are now suspected of acting as fuel.

Police have arrested three men aged 52 to 68 on suspicion of manslaughter—two directors of a construction company and an engineering consultant. “We have reason to believe that those in charge at the company were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties,” a police spokesperson said.

There are also reports that some fire alarms failed to activate, a claim now being examined.

As thousands were evacuated, police officers moved through shelters calling out names through loudspeakers, helping families search for missing relatives. More than 270 people have been reported missing, according to local media. Images circulating online show high-rise towers wrapped in burning scaffolding, with elderly residents and families trapped inside as thick grey smoke swallowed entire floors.