A catastrophic fire has engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, leaving at least 55 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for, in what authorities are calling the city’s deadliest peacetime fire. Emergency crews continue to battle the blaze across several high-rise apartment blocks, with thick black smoke visible for miles.

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Fire Escalates in Northern Hong Kong

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon across eight apartment towers, each rising over 30 stories. According to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, 51 victims died at the scene, while four more succumbed to injuries in hospitals. At least 268 people remain unaccounted for, heightening fears that the death toll could rise further.

Firefighters worked through the night under challenging conditions, hampered by falling debris, scaffolding hazards, and extreme heat inside the burning buildings. Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan said:

“Up to this moment, the temperature inside the fire scene is still very high. Firefighters are still struggling to access two of the buildings.”

Residents reported being trapped in their apartments, while the Fire Department confirmed the deployment of 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances to the scene. Temporary shelters were established at nearby community centers to house evacuated residents.

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Police Response and Manslaughter Arrests

Authorities have taken three men into custody on suspicion of manslaughter, though details of their alleged involvement have not been released. The investigation is ongoing as officials try to determine the cause of the fire.

Tai Po, home to approximately 300,000 people, is a densely populated suburban district near the border with mainland China. Wang Fuk Court consists of eight blocks with around 4,800 residents living in nearly 2,000 apartments.

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Historical Context: Deadliest Fire Since World War II

This tragedy surpasses previous high-rise fire incidents in Hong Kong, including the 1962 Sham Shui Po fire that claimed 44 lives. Authorities have raised the emergency to a level five alarm, the highest possible for Hong Kong fires.

Residents expressed fear and uncertainty as they evacuated:

“It’s heartbreaking. We’re worried there are people trapped inside,” said a local resident surnamed So.

“I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight,” said 66-year-old Harry Cheung, a long-term resident of Wang Fuk Court.

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Firefighting Challenges and Rescue Efforts

Firefighters have struggled with the intense heat and structural hazards, making it difficult to reach upper floors. Local media reported that fires are still burning in at least three blocks, with water jets continuing to suppress flames.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid the affected area. Sections of nearby highways were closed to facilitate firefighting operations.

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International and Local Implications

High-rise fires in densely populated urban areas pose significant challenges for emergency services, as seen in Hong Kong’s 2025 fire. The disaster has prompted calls for stricter safety regulations and better fire-prevention measures in high-density housing estates across the city.