On November 26, Hong Kong witnessed a deadly fire in Wang Fuk Court in the city’s northern Tai Po district, it is a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in flames. The death toll has mounted to 159, and left missing. And now, a student union-run notice board at Hong Kong Baptist University which has been monikered the ‘democracy wall demanded justice. The board has now been blocked, though the message remains visible from even behind the tall barricades. “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done,” the notice stuck on the democracy wall highlighted.&nbsp;Initial investigation findings suggest that the netting used around the bamboo scaffolding is usually used during repair work and during construction. The residential complex, which was engulfed in flames, was undergoing major renovations. And was due the ongoing work, the building was surrounded by scaffolding wrapped in net aided the fire to spread wild and caused damage to life and property. It was later learnt that the net did not meet fire-resistance standards. Authorities noted that the probe highlighted the "substandard" netting on building exteriors that failed to stop the fire from spreading. The investigation found that seven of 20 the netting samples from the site failed to meet fire safety standards, as reported by news agency AFP. According to news agency AFP, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn on ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday.&nbsp;So far Hong Kong made 15 arrests in connection with the worst blaze in decades, which claimed at least 159 lives. Arrests have been made on suspicion of manslaughter and those detained include construction company bosses. The police arrested 6 more people over the fire alarm malfunction. As the fire broke out, the fire alarm in the society failed to alert the residents. It is the world’s deadliest residential complex fire since 1980.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Initial investigation findings suggest that the netting used around the bamboo scaffolding is usually used during repair work and during construction. The residential complex, which was engulfed in flames, was undergoing major renovations. 

On November 26, Hong Kong witnessed a deadly fire in Wang Fuk Court in the city’s northern Tai Po district, it is a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in flames. The death toll has mounted to 159, and left missing. And now, a student union-run notice board at Hong Kong Baptist University which has been monikered the ‘democracy wall demanded justice. The board has now been blocked, though the message remains visible from even behind the tall barricades. “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done,” the notice stuck on the democracy wall highlighted. Initial investigation findings suggest that the netting used around the bamboo scaffolding is usually used during repair work and during construction. The residential complex, which was engulfed in flames, was undergoing major renovations. And was due the ongoing work, the building was surrounded by scaffolding wrapped in net aided the fire to spread wild and caused damage to life and property. It was later learnt that the net did not meet fire-resistance standards. Authorities noted that the probe highlighted the "substandard" netting on building exteriors that failed to stop the fire from spreading. The investigation found that seven of 20 the netting samples from the site failed to meet fire safety standards, as reported by news agency AFP. According to news agency AFP, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn on ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. So far Hong Kong made 15 arrests in connection with the worst blaze in decades, which claimed at least 159 lives. Arrests have been made on suspicion of manslaughter and those detained include construction company bosses. The police arrested 6 more people over the fire alarm malfunction. As the fire broke out, the fire alarm in the society failed to alert the residents. It is the world’s deadliest residential complex fire since 1980.

Initial investigation findings suggest that the netting used around the bamboo scaffolding is usually used during repair work and during construction. The residential complex, which was engulfed in flames, was undergoing major renovations.&nbsp;

Hong Kong races to remove scaffolding nets blamed for fire that claimed 159 lives

Hong Kong will set up an independent committee to investigate the apartment complex fire that killed 151 people, Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday. He told reporters that a judge will lead the panel and dig into what went wrong in the city’s building and renovation system to prevent anything like this from happening again. "I will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future," he told a press conference.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-fire-toll-soars-to-146-beijing-warns-against-anti-china-protests-1764565145201">As Hong Kong fire toll soars to 146, Beijing warns against 'anti-China' protests</a><h2>Reforms needed in safety standards</h2>Lee said that authorities in Hong Kong had identified several failures, and that reforms would be needed in safety, supervision, construction and maintenance standards. He vowed that the “bottlenecks” would be addressed. "We must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plugged so that those who are responsible will be accountable. The shortcomings will be addressed. The bottlenecks will be addressed." He vowed that the authorities would "reform the whole building renovation system to ensure that such things will not happen again."Although Hong Kong has the legal authority to form "commissions of inquiry," which were previously typically headed by judges to conduct intricate fact-finding procedures—a legacy of British colonial rule—Lee used the term "independent committee" on Tuesday, according to AFP.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-s-deadliest-fire-in-77-years-firefighting-efforts-end-with-at-least-128-dead-alarms-failed-in-all-8-towers-1764318275611">Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 77 years: Firefighting efforts end; alarms failed in all 8 towers</a><h2>14 arrested over deadly blaze</h2>Authorities said that the blaze spread quickly via netting used on exterior scaffolding that fell short of fire-resistance standards and failed to stop flames from spreading. Fourteen people have been arrested so far, most of them on suspicion of manslaughter. Eric Chan, the city’s number two official, called the suspects "shameful" and "cunning" and accused them of acting ”with deliberate intent and planning".<h2>Deadliest fire in decades</h2>The Hong Kong high-rise fire is now considered the deadliest residential building fire in the world since 1980. For Hong Kong, it is its deadliest tragedy since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people.

Hong Kong will form an independent committee, led by a judge, to investigate the apartment complex fire that killed 151 people, Chief Executive John Lee said.

Hong Kong will set up an independent committee to investigate the apartment complex fire that killed 151 people, Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday. He told reporters that a judge will lead the panel and dig into what went wrong in the city’s building and renovation system to prevent anything like this from happening again. "I will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future," he told a press conference. Also read | As Hong Kong fire toll soars to 146, Beijing warns against 'anti-China' protests Reforms needed in safety standards Lee said that authorities in Hong Kong had identified several failures, and that reforms would be needed in safety, supervision, construction and maintenance standards. He vowed that the “bottlenecks” would be addressed. "We must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plugged so that those who are responsible will be accountable. The shortcomings will be addressed. The bottlenecks will be addressed." He vowed that the authorities would "reform the whole building renovation system to ensure that such things will not happen again." Although Hong Kong has the legal authority to form "commissions of inquiry," which were previously typically headed by judges to conduct intricate fact-finding procedures—a legacy of British colonial rule—Lee used the term "independent committee" on Tuesday, according to AFP. Also read | Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 77 years: Firefighting efforts end; alarms failed in all 8 towers 14 arrested over deadly blaze Authorities said that the blaze spread quickly via netting used on exterior scaffolding that fell short of fire-resistance standards and failed to stop flames from spreading. Fourteen people have been arrested so far, most of them on suspicion of manslaughter. Eric Chan, the city’s number two official, called the suspects "shameful" and "cunning" and accused them of acting ”with deliberate intent and planning". Deadliest fire in decades The Hong Kong high-rise fire is now considered the deadliest residential building fire in the world since 1980. For Hong Kong, it is its deadliest tragedy since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people.

Hong Kong will form an independent committee, led by a judge, to investigate the apartment complex fire that killed 151 people, Chief Executive John Lee said.

Hong Kong to set up independent committee to probe high-rise fire that killed 151

On Monday (Dec 1), Hong Kong made 14 arrests in connection with the worst blaze in decades which claimed at least 151 lives. Authorities noted that the probe highlighted the "substandard" netting on building exteriors failed to stop the fire from spreading. It is the world’s deadliest residential complex fire since 1980. The investigation found that seven of 20 the netting samples from the site failed to meet fire safety standards, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;On November 26, Hong Kong witnessed a deadly fire where a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in flames. The death toll has mounted to 151, and more than 40 people are missing. The fire first sparked in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday.&nbsp;As the fire broke out, Chinese President Xi Jinping had urged Hong Kong to "make every effort" to extinguish a huge blaze at a residential estate that killed and to minimise casualties and losses, as reported by state media. "Xi Jinping expressed condolences for those who died in the major fire at a residential estate in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty," state broadcaster CCTV reported.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-high-rise-inferno-kills-94-search-teams-break-into-final-flats-all-details-here-1764296177514">Hong Kong high-rise inferno kills 94, search teams break into final flats. All details here</a>&nbsp;“He offered sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses,” he added.&nbsp;As reported by news agency AFP, huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance.

On November 26, Hong Kong witnessed a deadly fire where a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in flames. The death toll has mounted to 151, and more than 40 people are missing. 

On Monday (Dec 1), Hong Kong made 14 arrests in connection with the worst blaze in decades which claimed at least 151 lives. Authorities noted that the probe highlighted the "substandard" netting on building exteriors failed to stop the fire from spreading. It is the world’s deadliest residential complex fire since 1980. The investigation found that seven of 20 the netting samples from the site failed to meet fire safety standards, as reported by news agency AFP. On November 26, Hong Kong witnessed a deadly fire where a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in flames. The death toll has mounted to 151, and more than 40 people are missing. The fire first sparked in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday. As the fire broke out, Chinese President Xi Jinping had urged Hong Kong to "make every effort" to extinguish a huge blaze at a residential estate that killed and to minimise casualties and losses, as reported by state media. "Xi Jinping expressed condolences for those who died in the major fire at a residential estate in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty," state broadcaster CCTV reported. Also read: Hong Kong high-rise inferno kills 94, search teams break into final flats. All details here “He offered sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses,” he added. As reported by news agency AFP, huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance.

On November 26, Hong Kong witnessed a deadly fire where a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in flames. The death toll has mounted to 151, and more than 40 people are missing.&nbsp;

Hong Kong makes 14 arrests in deadly building fire that claimed 151 lives

After the deadly fire killed over 100 in Hong Kong's high-rise building, the anti-corruption watchdog of the country arrested eight people on Friday (Nov 28) in connection with the deadly housing estate fire that killed at least 128 people. The group of seven men and one woman include "engineering consultants, scaffolding construction contractors and a middleman", said the financial hub's Independent Commission Against Corruption, which has launched a probe into the fire at a residential complex under renovation.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-suspect-had-a-relationship-with-partner-forces-fbi-is-probing-national-guard-shooting-as-act-of-terror-did-suspect-have-cia-link-kash-patel-1764254919905">'Suspect had a relationship with partner forces': FBI is probing National Guard shooting as act of terror. Did suspect have CIA link?</a>&nbsp;Around 274 people were reported still missing, and hundreds were left homeless in a single night. The Hong Kong government announced to establishment of an assistance fund for the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The government will allocate 300 million Hong Kong dollars (about $38.5 million) in aid to affected residents.&nbsp;The city leader, John Lee, speaking in a press conference on Thursday (Nov 27), said that several additional measures have been laid out. The government will also cancel all the celebrity events and government officials will avoid participating in “unnecessary” public events, Lee said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-third-world-nations-mean-will-indians-be-affected-by-trump-administration-s-new-green-card-crackdown-1764327519839">What does 'Third World' mean? Will Indians be affected by Trump administration's new green card crackdown?</a>&nbsp;Moreover, he also announced that each household affected by the fire will receive relief funds. “To help affected residents, we will hand out 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,200) to each household,” Lee said.&nbsp;Hong Kong has one of the world's most severe housing shortages&nbsp;Median home prices are 20 times higher than the annual household income of Hong Kongers. Amid the glitzy towers of the financial hub, most commoners can't afford a place to call home, depending instead on public housing. But there, the average waiting time for a public rental flat could be up to 5.5 years.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;‘Coffin homes’ with six square metres for a person: The poor face the brunt of the housing crisis Low-income, working poor and elderly populations end up living in overcrowded subdivided flats or SDUs that have only 65 square feet or 6 square metres of space per person. There were around 108,200 such subdivided flats or SDUs in Hong Kong as of 2021, housing over 220,000 people. Many of these flats lack proper ventilation or fire escapes. In many cases, toilets and bathrooms are shared by multiple families.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;The SDUs, also known as “coffin homes”, "cubicle apartments" or "cage homes," could be as small as 15 square feet. They are often stacked like bunks in wire-mesh enclosures, and notorious fire traps too, with narrow corridors blocking evacuation. Flammable materials like polystyrene are used in construction, and shared wiring overloads electricity circuits. &nbsp;

After the deadly fire killed over 100 in Hong Kong high-rise building, the anti-corruption watchdog of the country arrested eight people.

After the deadly fire killed over 100 in Hong Kong's high-rise building, the anti-corruption watchdog of the country arrested eight people on Friday (Nov 28) in connection with the deadly housing estate fire that killed at least 128 people. The group of seven men and one woman include "engineering consultants, scaffolding construction contractors and a middleman", said the financial hub's Independent Commission Against Corruption, which has launched a probe into the fire at a residential complex under renovation. Also read: 'Suspect had a relationship with partner forces': FBI is probing National Guard shooting as act of terror. Did suspect have CIA link? Around 274 people were reported still missing, and hundreds were left homeless in a single night. The Hong Kong government announced to establishment of an assistance fund for the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The government will allocate 300 million Hong Kong dollars (about $38.5 million) in aid to affected residents. The city leader, John Lee, speaking in a press conference on Thursday (Nov 27), said that several additional measures have been laid out. The government will also cancel all the celebrity events and government officials will avoid participating in “unnecessary” public events, Lee said. Also read: What does 'Third World' mean? Will Indians be affected by Trump administration's new green card crackdown? Moreover, he also announced that each household affected by the fire will receive relief funds. “To help affected residents, we will hand out 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,200) to each household,” Lee said. Hong Kong has one of the world's most severe housing shortages Median home prices are 20 times higher than the annual household income of Hong Kongers. Amid the glitzy towers of the financial hub, most commoners can't afford a place to call home, depending instead on public housing. But there, the average waiting time for a public rental flat could be up to 5.5 years. Also read:‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless ‘Coffin homes’ with six square metres for a person: The poor face the brunt of the housing crisis Low-income, working poor and elderly populations end up living in overcrowded subdivided flats or SDUs that have only 65 square feet or 6 square metres of space per person. There were around 108,200 such subdivided flats or SDUs in Hong Kong as of 2021, housing over 220,000 people. Many of these flats lack proper ventilation or fire escapes. In many cases, toilets and bathrooms are shared by multiple families. Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air The SDUs, also known as “coffin homes”, "cubicle apartments" or "cage homes," could be as small as 15 square feet. They are often stacked like bunks in wire-mesh enclosures, and notorious fire traps too, with narrow corridors blocking evacuation. Flammable materials like polystyrene are used in construction, and shared wiring overloads electricity circuits.

After the deadly fire killed over 100 in Hong Kong's high-rise building, the anti-corruption watchdog of the country arrested eight people.

Hong Kong fire: Anti-corruption watchdog arrests 8 people as death toll jumps to 128

The death toll from the inferno that tore through a residential estate for almost two days has gone up to 128. As firefighting efforts ended after a gruelling over 36 hours, officials confirmed on Friday (Nov 28) that at least 128 people have been killed, making it the city’s deadliest fire since the 1940s. Many who lived in the sprawling Wang Fuk Court complex remain unaccounted for, Security Secretary Chris Tang told the media. The massive death toll comes as a major point of outrage comes to light: none of the fire alarms across all eight towers functioned properly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-high-rise-inferno-kills-94-search-teams-break-into-final-flats-all-details-here-1764296177514">Hong Kong high-rise inferno kills 94, search teams break into final flats. All details here</a><h2>Rescue efforts continue</h2>Speaking at an afternoon briefing, Tang said search teams were still combing through damaged units and stairwells where smoke had pooled thick enough to blind rescuers in the early hours of the blaze. He offered condolences to families who, as of now, are still waiting for news—some for more than two days. The scale of loss, he admitted, may rise further.<h2>Faulty fire alarms contributed to the deadly fire</h2>Hong Kong’s fire service chief, Andy Yeung, on Friday (Nov 28) confirmed that investigators had checked the estate's infrastructure and found widespread alarm failures. "We discovered that the alarm systems in eight buildings were malfunctioning... We will take enforcement actions against the contractors responsible," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-continues-to-burn-at-least-44-killed-hundreds-still-unaccounted-for-1764211027685">Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for</a><h2>Investigation launched</h2>Authorities have launched a full investigation. The estate was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh for renovations, a possible factor in how quickly the fire moved. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has opened a probe into the project, and three men have been arrested over foam packaging allegedly left at the site.The tragedy is the deadliest since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people. But officials fear the toll may still rise. City leader John Lee earlier said 279 people had not been accounted for; although authorities later made contact with some, the figure has not been updated.

The death toll from the Hong Kong housing estate inferno has climbed to 128, making it the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. Fire crews finally extinguished the blaze on Friday after more than 36 hours.

The death toll from the inferno that tore through a residential estate for almost two days has gone up to 128. As firefighting efforts ended after a gruelling over 36 hours, officials confirmed on Friday (Nov 28) that at least 128 people have been killed, making it the city’s deadliest fire since the 1940s. Many who lived in the sprawling Wang Fuk Court complex remain unaccounted for, Security Secretary Chris Tang told the media. The massive death toll comes as a major point of outrage comes to light: none of the fire alarms across all eight towers functioned properly. Also read | Hong Kong high-rise inferno kills 94, search teams break into final flats. All details here Rescue efforts continue Speaking at an afternoon briefing, Tang said search teams were still combing through damaged units and stairwells where smoke had pooled thick enough to blind rescuers in the early hours of the blaze. He offered condolences to families who, as of now, are still waiting for news—some for more than two days. The scale of loss, he admitted, may rise further. Faulty fire alarms contributed to the deadly fire Hong Kong’s fire service chief, Andy Yeung, on Friday (Nov 28) confirmed that investigators had checked the estate's infrastructure and found widespread alarm failures. "We discovered that the alarm systems in eight buildings were malfunctioning... We will take enforcement actions against the contractors responsible," he said. Also read | Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for Investigation launched Authorities have launched a full investigation. The estate was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh for renovations, a possible factor in how quickly the fire moved. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has opened a probe into the project, and three men have been arrested over foam packaging allegedly left at the site. The tragedy is the deadliest since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people. But officials fear the toll may still rise. City leader John Lee earlier said 279 people had not been accounted for; although authorities later made contact with some, the figure has not been updated.

The death toll from the Hong Kong housing estate inferno has climbed to 128, making it the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. Fire crews finally extinguished the blaze on Friday after more than 36 hours.

Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 77 years: Firefighting efforts end with at least 128 dead; alarms failed in all 8 towers

High-Rise Inferno Kills 94, Hundreds Missing as Hunt for Survivors Intensifies
Hong Kong, China:  Hong Kong, China: At least 94 people have died after a massive fire engulfed multiple high-rise towers of a residential complex in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district on Wednesday, with thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services battled to subdue the blaze. Several people remain trapped inside the burning towers. 

Hong Kong Fire: Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Leaves 94 Dead, Many Still Missing

Fire crews spent Friday (Nov 28) searching the last flats of a Hong Kong housing estate gutted by the city's worst fire in almost eight decades, as the death toll climbed to at least 94. With dozens in hospital, many still remain missing. The blaze that tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday night, burned for more than 36 hours. Officials say the fire was contained to four blocks within the eight-tower estate, which holds nearly 2,000 units.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signals-new-push-to-choke-off-venezuelan-drug-flow-says-land-crackdowns-are-coming-very-soon-1764292863262">Trump signals new push to choke off drug flow, says land crackdowns against Venezuela are coming 'very soon'</a><h2>Search and rescue efforts ongoing</h2>Search teams, as per an AFP report citing deputy director of fire services Derek Armstrong Chan, plan to force entry into every flat by 9 am (0100 GMT) in response to 25 pending calls for help.More than 50 people have been hospitalised due to the fire, with at least 12 of the injured in critical and 28 in serious condition. Among the 94 dead are a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian domestic workers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-continues-to-burn-at-least-44-killed-hundreds-still-unaccounted-for-1764211027685">Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for</a><h2>Fire still burning?</h2>AFP, citing its reporter present at the scene, reports that thick smoke, falling sparks, can still be seen occasionally. It adds that with the charred scaffolding still crumbling down, firefighters continue to hose the structure to prevent reignition.<h2>Investigation launched</h2>Authorities have launched a full investigation. The estate was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh for renovations, a possible factor in how quickly the fire moved. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has opened a probe into the project, and three men have been arrested over foam packaging allegedly left at the site.The tragedy is the deadliest since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people. But officials fear the toll may still rise. City leader John Lee earlier said 279 people had not been accounted for; although authorities later made contact with some, the figure has not been updated.

At least 94 people are dead after Hong Kong’s worst fire in nearly 80 years tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. More than 50 are hospitalised, many critical, and dozens are still missing. All updates here.

Fire crews spent Friday (Nov 28) searching the last flats of a Hong Kong housing estate gutted by the city's worst fire in almost eight decades, as the death toll climbed to at least 94. With dozens in hospital, many still remain missing. The blaze that tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday night, burned for more than 36 hours. Officials say the fire was contained to four blocks within the eight-tower estate, which holds nearly 2,000 units. Also read | Trump signals new push to choke off drug flow, says land crackdowns against Venezuela are coming 'very soon' Search and rescue efforts ongoing Search teams, as per an AFP report citing deputy director of fire services Derek Armstrong Chan, plan to force entry into every flat by 9 am (0100 GMT) in response to 25 pending calls for help. More than 50 people have been hospitalised due to the fire, with at least 12 of the injured in critical and 28 in serious condition. Among the 94 dead are a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian domestic workers. Also read | Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for Fire still burning? AFP, citing its reporter present at the scene, reports that thick smoke, falling sparks, can still be seen occasionally. It adds that with the charred scaffolding still crumbling down, firefighters continue to hose the structure to prevent reignition. Investigation launched Authorities have launched a full investigation. The estate was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh for renovations, a possible factor in how quickly the fire moved. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has opened a probe into the project, and three men have been arrested over foam packaging allegedly left at the site. The tragedy is the deadliest since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people. But officials fear the toll may still rise. City leader John Lee earlier said 279 people had not been accounted for; although authorities later made contact with some, the figure has not been updated.

At least 94 people are dead after Hong Kong’s worst fire in nearly 80 years tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. More than 50 are hospitalised, many critical, and dozens are still missing. All updates here.

Hong Kong high-rise inferno kills 94, search teams break into final flats. All details here

Hong Kong Fire: High-Rise Inferno in Hong Kong Leaves 94 Dead, Search Ongoing

High-Rise Inferno Kills 94, Hundreds Missing as Hunt for Survivors Intensifies
Hong Kong, China:  Hong Kong, China: At least 94 people have died after a massive fire engulfed multiple high-rise towers of a residential complex in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district on Wednesday, with thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services battled to subdue the blaze. Several people remain trapped inside the burning towers. Join us LIVE to know more on this!

Hong Kong Fire: High-Rise Inferno Kills 94, Hundreds Missing as Hunt for Survivors Intensifies

Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades has claimed at least 65 lives and injured 70 others, with hundreds still missing. The blaze broke out suddenly on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly tore through sections of the tightly packed high-rise public housing complex in the Tai Pao district. The Wang Fuk Court complex, home to over 4,600 residents according to recent census records, was severely affected. Authorities have said the situation is now “basically under control.” &nbsp;The disaster, the financial hub's most devastating in more than 60 years, put Bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old tradition that was prevalent in Hong Kong, in the spotlight for its role in spreading the blaze, as experts believe it presented a path for the fire to spread vertically.<h3>What is bamboo scaffolding?</h3>Bamboo has long been the preferred material for scaffolding because it is cheap, readily available and flexible, and can be secured with nylon cords, a practice that existed before the city-state began constructing massive skyscrapers.&nbsp;The craft, which was invented in mainland China, where bamboo is considered a symbol of grace and moral fortitude, has been a bedrock of architecture. Bamboo scaffolding also assumes added significance as it is widely believed that the Great Wall of China was built using the technique.&nbsp;Also Read: ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;However, it has been phased out largely for stronger metal scaffolding and clamps, but builders still use the bamboo because it is economical compared to other options, in addition to it being easier to cut and fitting the narrow lanes of Hong Kong. Hundreds of bamboo poles can often be seen lashed together on the side of a modern office tower.&nbsp;The bamboo scaffolding is built by specialist workers known as "spiders". There are 4,000 such specialists in the city; they lash together bamboo poles to build intricate grid-like scaffolding that is covered by additional netting to prevent construction mesh debris from injuring passers-by.&nbsp;The blocks at Wang Fuk Court housing complex, where the fire caused devastation, were also using the bamboo scalfolding for their renovation project. According to experts, it let the fire rapidly spread across the green netting and sent bamboo lattices collapsing to the ground in flames.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-survivor-rescued-from-16th-floor-of-hong-kong-complex-death-toll-mounts-to-65-1764250148109">Miracle survivor rescued from 16th floor of Hong Kong complex, death toll mounts to 65</a>&nbsp;Before the fire, public discussion around bamboo scaffolding largely centred on worker safety. Government data shows that Hong Kong recorded 22 fatal workplace accidents linked to bamboo scaffolding between 2018 and 2024. Six of these occurred during the construction of new scaffolding, while the remaining cases happened during repair work.&nbsp;

Bamboo has long been the preferred material for scaffolding because it is cheap, readily available and flexible, and can be secured with nylon cords.

Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades has claimed at least 65 lives and injured 70 others, with hundreds still missing. The blaze broke out suddenly on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly tore through sections of the tightly packed high-rise public housing complex in the Tai Pao district. The Wang Fuk Court complex, home to over 4,600 residents according to recent census records, was severely affected. Authorities have said the situation is now “basically under control.” The disaster, the financial hub's most devastating in more than 60 years, put Bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old tradition that was prevalent in Hong Kong, in the spotlight for its role in spreading the blaze, as experts believe it presented a path for the fire to spread vertically. What is bamboo scaffolding? Bamboo has long been the preferred material for scaffolding because it is cheap, readily available and flexible, and can be secured with nylon cords, a practice that existed before the city-state began constructing massive skyscrapers. The craft, which was invented in mainland China, where bamboo is considered a symbol of grace and moral fortitude, has been a bedrock of architecture. Bamboo scaffolding also assumes added significance as it is widely believed that the Great Wall of China was built using the technique. Also Read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless However, it has been phased out largely for stronger metal scaffolding and clamps, but builders still use the bamboo because it is economical compared to other options, in addition to it being easier to cut and fitting the narrow lanes of Hong Kong. Hundreds of bamboo poles can often be seen lashed together on the side of a modern office tower. The bamboo scaffolding is built by specialist workers known as "spiders". There are 4,000 such specialists in the city; they lash together bamboo poles to build intricate grid-like scaffolding that is covered by additional netting to prevent construction mesh debris from injuring passers-by. The blocks at Wang Fuk Court housing complex, where the fire caused devastation, were also using the bamboo scalfolding for their renovation project. According to experts, it let the fire rapidly spread across the green netting and sent bamboo lattices collapsing to the ground in flames. Also Read: Miracle survivor rescued from 16th floor of Hong Kong complex, death toll mounts to 65 Before the fire, public discussion around bamboo scaffolding largely centred on worker safety. Government data shows that Hong Kong recorded 22 fatal workplace accidents linked to bamboo scaffolding between 2018 and 2024. Six of these occurred during the construction of new scaffolding, while the remaining cases happened during repair work.

Bamboo has long been the preferred material for scaffolding because it is cheap, readily available and flexible, and can be secured with nylon cords.

What is bamboo scaffolding and how it contributed to spread of Hong Kong’s deadly fire

In a tragic incident, at least 55 people have been reported killed so far after a fire engulfed a high-rise building in Hong Kong on Wednesday (Nov 26). Around 274 people were reported still missing, and hundreds were left homeless in a single night. The Hong Kong government announced to establishment of an assistance fund for the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The government will allocate 300 million Hong Kong dollars (about $38.5 million) in aid to affected residents.&nbsp;The city leader, John Lee, speaking in a press conference on Thursday (Nov 27), said that several additional measures have been laid out. The government will also cancel all the celebrity events and government officials will avoid participating in “unnecessary” public events, Lee said.&nbsp;Moreover, he also announced that each household affected by the fire will receive relief funds. “To help affected residents, we will hand out 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,200) to each household,” Lee said.&nbsp;Hong Kong has one of the world's most severe housing shortages&nbsp;Median home prices are 20 times higher than the annual household income of Hong Kongers. Amid the glitzy towers of the financial hub, most commoners can't afford a place to call home, depending instead on public housing. But there, the average waiting time for a public rental flat could be up to 5.5 years.&nbsp;‘Coffin homes’ with six square metres for a person: The poor face the brunt of the housing crisis&nbsp;Low-income, working poor and elderly populations end up living in overcrowded subdivided flats or SDUs that have only 65 square feet or 6 square metres of space per person. There were around 108,200 such subdivided flats or SDUs in Hong Kong as of 2021, housing over 220,000 people. Many of these flats lack proper ventilation or fire escapes. In many cases, toilets and bathrooms are shared by multiple families.&nbsp;The SDUs, also known as “coffin homes”, "cubicle apartments" or "cage homes," could be as small as 15 square feet. They are often stacked like bunks in wire-mesh enclosures, and notorious fire traps too, with narrow corridors blocking evacuation. Flammable materials like polystyrene are used in construction, and shared wiring overloads electricity circuits.

The Hong Kong government announced to establishment of an assistance fund for the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The government will allocate 300 million Hong Kong dollars (about $38.5 million) in aid to affected residents.

In a tragic incident, at least 55 people have been reported killed so far after a fire engulfed a high-rise building in Hong Kong on Wednesday (Nov 26). Around 274 people were reported still missing, and hundreds were left homeless in a single night. The Hong Kong government announced to establishment of an assistance fund for the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The government will allocate 300 million Hong Kong dollars (about $38.5 million) in aid to affected residents. The city leader, John Lee, speaking in a press conference on Thursday (Nov 27), said that several additional measures have been laid out. The government will also cancel all the celebrity events and government officials will avoid participating in “unnecessary” public events, Lee said. Moreover, he also announced that each household affected by the fire will receive relief funds. “To help affected residents, we will hand out 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,200) to each household,” Lee said. Hong Kong has one of the world's most severe housing shortages Median home prices are 20 times higher than the annual household income of Hong Kongers. Amid the glitzy towers of the financial hub, most commoners can't afford a place to call home, depending instead on public housing. But there, the average waiting time for a public rental flat could be up to 5.5 years. ‘Coffin homes’ with six square metres for a person: The poor face the brunt of the housing crisis Low-income, working poor and elderly populations end up living in overcrowded subdivided flats or SDUs that have only 65 square feet or 6 square metres of space per person. There were around 108,200 such subdivided flats or SDUs in Hong Kong as of 2021, housing over 220,000 people. Many of these flats lack proper ventilation or fire escapes. In many cases, toilets and bathrooms are shared by multiple families. The SDUs, also known as “coffin homes”, "cubicle apartments" or "cage homes," could be as small as 15 square feet. They are often stacked like bunks in wire-mesh enclosures, and notorious fire traps too, with narrow corridors blocking evacuation. Flammable materials like polystyrene are used in construction, and shared wiring overloads electricity circuits.

The Hong Kong government announced to establishment of an assistance fund for the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The government will allocate 300 million Hong Kong dollars (about $38.5 million) in aid to affected residents.

‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless

At least 55 people have died in the Hong Kong apartment fire on Wednesday (Nov 26), with 275 others missing and hundreds left homeless overnight. The Wang Fuk Court building fire in Tai Po District is a stark reflection of Hong Kong's housing crisis, where skyrocketing prices make private accommodation impossible for local residents, who then depend on public housing and so-called 'coffin homes'.&nbsp;<h2>Hong Kong has one of the world's most severe housing shortages</h2>Median home prices are 20 times higher than the annual household income of Hong Kongers. Amid the glitzy towers of the financial hub, most commoners can't afford a place to call home, depending instead on public housing. But there, &nbsp;the average waiting time for a public rental flat in could be up to 5.5 years.&nbsp;<h2>‘Coffin homes’ with six square metres for a person: The poor face the brunt of the housing crisis</h2>Low-income, working poor and elderly populations end up living in overcrowded subdivided flats or SDUs that have only 65 square feet or 6 square metres of space per person. There were around 108,200 such subdivided flats or SDUs in Hong Kong as of 2021, housing over 220,000 people.&nbsp; Many of these flats lack proper ventilation or fire escapes. In many cases, toilets and bathrooms are shared by multiple families.The SDUs, also known as “coffin homes”, "cubicle apartments" or "cage homes," could be as small as 15 square feet. They are often stacked like bunks in wire-mesh enclosures, and notorious fire traps too, with narrow corridors blocking evacuation. Flammable materials like polystyrene are used in construction, and shared wiring overloads electricity circuits.<h2>Fire safety violations: A perennial problem in Hong Kong residential buildings</h2>According to government data, fire safety violations are found in more than 60 per cent of inspected buildings. Fire incidents in the past, like the 2017 Cheung Sha Wan blaze, killed residents trapped in these mazes.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-continues-to-burn-at-least-44-killed-hundreds-still-unaccounted-for-1764211027685">Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for</a><h2>The Wang Fuk Court fire: A public housing estate from the 1980s</h2>Wednesday's fire took place not in a 'coffin home', but a government-run public housing estate. Still, it exemplifies the housing crisis and hazards across all low-income housing in the city.The Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 as subsidised home-ownership units. It had some 4,800 residents, living in nearly 2,000 apartments across eight 31-storey towers.An estimated 36 per cent of the residents were aged over 65.&nbsp;The blaze started when the external bamboo scaffolding - that covered the entire estate - caught fire during renovation. The fire also brought to light the poor or deferred maintenance situation in these decades-old public housing buildings, strained by underfunding.Once the fire started, it went all the way up to the top of the towers, exacerbated by flammable foam boards on windows and non-compliant netting. The fire eventually spread to seven towers, trapping residents amid intense heat and smoke.The Wang Fuk Court fire was Hong Kong's deadliest fire since the Garley Building fire of 1996 that killed 41 people. The fire in 2008 at the Cornwall Court resulted in four deaths.&nbsp;<h2>Even coffin homes are unaffordable for some</h2>With coffin homes going on rent for up to HK$140 per square foot, even that is unaffordable for some. This makes nearly 45 per cent of Hong Kong residents dependent on public estates like Wang Fuk, which are overcrowded and ageing. According to reports, many of these public housing units lack modern water sprinklers or wide exits to facilitate escape in the event of a fire.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-four-blocks-under-control-operations-continue-in-others-1764228305747/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-four-blocks-under-control-operations-continue-in-others-1764228305747/embed</a><h2>A rapidly ageing population made evacuation difficult</h2>Hong Kong's rapidly ageing population, with nearly 25 aged over 65, is living in large numbers in public housing units. Given their reduced mobility, evacuations were difficult: many victims could not descend the stairs quickly enough.Among this deadly cocktail of factors is the slow progress in phasing out substandard housing units by 2049. According to media reports, only 47 per cent of Hong Kong's public housing targets were met since 2014, even as coffin homes mostly remain illegal and unregulated.

Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartments fire highlights severe housing shortages in the financial hub. The poor and elderly rely on unsafe public housing, or cramped coffin homes. The city’s low-income housing system is facing brunt of systemic neglect

At least 55 people have died in the Hong Kong apartment fire on Wednesday (Nov 26), with 275 others missing and hundreds left homeless overnight. The Wang Fuk Court building fire in Tai Po District is a stark reflection of Hong Kong's housing crisis, where skyrocketing prices make private accommodation impossible for local residents, who then depend on public housing and so-called 'coffin homes'. Hong Kong has one of the world's most severe housing shortages Median home prices are 20 times higher than the annual household income of Hong Kongers. Amid the glitzy towers of the financial hub, most commoners can't afford a place to call home, depending instead on public housing. But there, the average waiting time for a public rental flat in could be up to 5.5 years. ‘Coffin homes’ with six square metres for a person: The poor face the brunt of the housing crisis Low-income, working poor and elderly populations end up living in overcrowded subdivided flats or SDUs that have only 65 square feet or 6 square metres of space per person. There were around 108,200 such subdivided flats or SDUs in Hong Kong as of 2021, housing over 220,000 people. Many of these flats lack proper ventilation or fire escapes. In many cases, toilets and bathrooms are shared by multiple families. The SDUs, also known as “coffin homes”, "cubicle apartments" or "cage homes," could be as small as 15 square feet. They are often stacked like bunks in wire-mesh enclosures, and notorious fire traps too, with narrow corridors blocking evacuation. Flammable materials like polystyrene are used in construction, and shared wiring overloads electricity circuits. Fire safety violations: A perennial problem in Hong Kong residential buildings According to government data, fire safety violations are found in more than 60 per cent of inspected buildings. Fire incidents in the past, like the 2017 Cheung Sha Wan blaze, killed residents trapped in these mazes. Also read: Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for The Wang Fuk Court fire: A public housing estate from the 1980s Wednesday's fire took place not in a 'coffin home', but a government-run public housing estate. Still, it exemplifies the housing crisis and hazards across all low-income housing in the city. The Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 as subsidised home-ownership units. It had some 4,800 residents, living in nearly 2,000 apartments across eight 31-storey towers. An estimated 36 per cent of the residents were aged over 65. The blaze started when the external bamboo scaffolding - that covered the entire estate - caught fire during renovation. The fire also brought to light the poor or deferred maintenance situation in these decades-old public housing buildings, strained by underfunding. Once the fire started, it went all the way up to the top of the towers, exacerbated by flammable foam boards on windows and non-compliant netting. The fire eventually spread to seven towers, trapping residents amid intense heat and smoke. The Wang Fuk Court fire was Hong Kong's deadliest fire since the Garley Building fire of 1996 that killed 41 people. The fire in 2008 at the Cornwall Court resulted in four deaths. Even coffin homes are unaffordable for some With coffin homes going on rent for up to HK$140 per square foot, even that is unaffordable for some. This makes nearly 45 per cent of Hong Kong residents dependent on public estates like Wang Fuk, which are overcrowded and ageing. According to reports, many of these public housing units lack modern water sprinklers or wide exits to facilitate escape in the event of a fire. https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-four-blocks-under-control-operations-continue-in-others-1764228305747/embed A rapidly ageing population made evacuation difficult Hong Kong's rapidly ageing population, with nearly 25 aged over 65, is living in large numbers in public housing units. Given their reduced mobility, evacuations were difficult: many victims could not descend the stairs quickly enough. Among this deadly cocktail of factors is the slow progress in phasing out substandard housing units by 2049. According to media reports, only 47 per cent of Hong Kong's public housing targets were met since 2014, even as coffin homes mostly remain illegal and unregulated.

Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartments fire highlights severe housing shortages in the financial hub. The poor and elderly rely on unsafe public housing, or cramped coffin homes. The city’s low-income housing system is facing brunt of systemic neglect

'Coffin homes' to crammed public apartments: Hong Kong fire that left 55 dead brings focus on city's chronic housing crisis

Firefighters in Hong Kong battled through the night into Thursday (Nov 27) as a massive blaze tore through a high-rise housing estate. The death toll has now risen to at least 55, with hundreds still missing. The fire is believed to be the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The inferno broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an eight-block estate with nearly 2,000 units that was undergoing large-scale repair work. Flames engulfed bamboo scaffolding within minutes, racing up the facade and leaping between buildings in the dense complex.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspect-in-washington-national-guard-shooting-allegedly-an-afghan-migrant-suggest-us-media-reports-1764205229355">Suspect in Washington National Guard shooting is an Afghan migrant, suggest US media reports</a><h2>Three arrested for igniting inferno</h2>Police said three men were arrested after flammable materials left during maintenance allowed the fire "to spread rapidly beyond control". By dawn, parts of the estate were still burning. AFP, citing its reporters, reports that cracking sounds from collapsing scaffolding can be heard as thick columns of smoke continue to rise into the sky. Whole sections of charred bamboo rained down from the upper floors as the blaze lit surrounding blocks with an orange glow.Many residents, especially elderly tenants living alone, struggled to escape. A 65-year-old man surnamed Yuen, who has lived there for more than 40 years, said several neighbours only realised there was a fire after receiving calls urging them to flee. "The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn't know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours," he told AFP. "I'm devastated."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-us-national-guard-shooting-near-white-house-act-of-terror-seeks-to-blame-biden-1764211895540">Trump calls US National Guard shooting an 'act of terror', seeks to blame Biden</a><h2>Hundreds missing</h2>Early on Thursday, Hong Kong leader John Lee said 279 people remained unaccounted for, though firefighters later managed to make contact with a few of them. He also revealed that more than 900 people took shelter overnight.&nbsp;

At least 55 people have died in a massive Hong Kong high-rise fire, with hundreds still unaccounted for as crews battle the blaze into a second day. Details below.

Firefighters in Hong Kong battled through the night into Thursday (Nov 27) as a massive blaze tore through a high-rise housing estate. The death toll has now risen to at least 55, with hundreds still missing. The fire is believed to be the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The inferno broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an eight-block estate with nearly 2,000 units that was undergoing large-scale repair work. Flames engulfed bamboo scaffolding within minutes, racing up the facade and leaping between buildings in the dense complex. Also read | Suspect in Washington National Guard shooting is an Afghan migrant, suggest US media reports Three arrested for igniting inferno Police said three men were arrested after flammable materials left during maintenance allowed the fire "to spread rapidly beyond control". By dawn, parts of the estate were still burning. AFP, citing its reporters, reports that cracking sounds from collapsing scaffolding can be heard as thick columns of smoke continue to rise into the sky. Whole sections of charred bamboo rained down from the upper floors as the blaze lit surrounding blocks with an orange glow. Many residents, especially elderly tenants living alone, struggled to escape. A 65-year-old man surnamed Yuen, who has lived there for more than 40 years, said several neighbours only realised there was a fire after receiving calls urging them to flee. "The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn't know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours," he told AFP. "I'm devastated." Also read | Trump calls US National Guard shooting an 'act of terror', seeks to blame Biden Hundreds missing Early on Thursday, Hong Kong leader John Lee said 279 people remained unaccounted for, though firefighters later managed to make contact with a few of them. He also revealed that more than 900 people took shelter overnight.

At least 55 people have died in a massive Hong Kong high-rise fire, with hundreds still unaccounted for as crews battle the blaze into a second day. Details below.

Hong Kong high-rise fire continues to burn; death toll rises to 55, hundreds still unaccounted for

On Thursday (Nov 27), Hong Kong Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire in the high-rise complex in Tai Po. The officials have announced they will be holding a press conference to share further details. On Wednesday (Nov 26) Hong Kong witnessed the worst blaze in 10 years as a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in fire. The death toll has mounted to at least 36, and more than 200 people are missing. The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance. City leader John Lee early Thursday gave the death toll as 36, including a firefighter, with 279 people unaccounted for.&nbsp;Twenty-nine people were hospitalised, with seven in critical condition. Lee said the fire was "gradually getting under control", with flames still spotted at four out of the eight buildings in the complex. He was speaking almost 12 hours after the fire broke out.The cause was still not known.&nbsp;At the scene of the fire, an AFP reporter heard loud cracking sounds, possibly from the burning bamboo, and saw thick plumes of smoke billowing from the buildings as flames and ash reached high into the sky. A 65-year-old resident surnamed Yuen said he had lived in the complex for more than four decades and that many of his neighbours were elderly and might not be mobile."The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn't know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours," Yuen told AFP.&nbsp;"I'm devastated. There is loss of property and loss of life, and even a firefighter has died."&nbsp;(With agency inputs)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The death toll has mounted to at least 36, and more than 200 people are missing. The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday. 

On Thursday (Nov 27), Hong Kong Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire in the high-rise complex in Tai Po. The officials have announced they will be holding a press conference to share further details. On Wednesday (Nov 26) Hong Kong witnessed the worst blaze in 10 years as a crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in fire. The death toll has mounted to at least 36, and more than 200 people are missing. The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday. Huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance. City leader John Lee early Thursday gave the death toll as 36, including a firefighter, with 279 people unaccounted for. Twenty-nine people were hospitalised, with seven in critical condition. Lee said the fire was "gradually getting under control", with flames still spotted at four out of the eight buildings in the complex. He was speaking almost 12 hours after the fire broke out. The cause was still not known. At the scene of the fire, an AFP reporter heard loud cracking sounds, possibly from the burning bamboo, and saw thick plumes of smoke billowing from the buildings as flames and ash reached high into the sky. A 65-year-old resident surnamed Yuen said he had lived in the complex for more than four decades and that many of his neighbours were elderly and might not be mobile. "The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn't know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours," Yuen told AFP. "I'm devastated. There is loss of property and loss of life, and even a firefighter has died." (With agency inputs)

The death toll has mounted to at least 36, and more than 200 people are missing. The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday.&nbsp;

Hong Kong: 3 men arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with apartment fire

On Wednesday (Nov 26) Hong Kong witnessed the worst blaze in 10 years as crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in fire. The death toll has mounted to at least 36 and more than 200 people are missing. The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Hong Kong to "make every effort" to extinguish a huge blaze at a residential estate that killed and to minimise casualties and losses, as reported by state media. "Xi Jinping expressed condolences for those who died in the major fire at a residential estate in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty," state broadcaster CCTV reported. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"He offered sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-35-floor-apartment-building-in-hong-kong-residents-trapped-1764149239700">Massive fire engulfs residential building in Hong Kong</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As reported by news agency AFP, &nbsp;huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance. City leader John Lee early Thursday gave the death toll as 36, including a firefighter, with 279 people unaccounted for.

The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday. 

On Wednesday (Nov 26) Hong Kong witnessed the worst blaze in 10 years as crowded high-rise complex was engulfed in fire. The death toll has mounted to at least 36 and more than 200 people are missing. The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Hong Kong to "make every effort" to extinguish a huge blaze at a residential estate that killed and to minimise casualties and losses, as reported by state media. "Xi Jinping expressed condolences for those who died in the major fire at a residential estate in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty," state broadcaster CCTV reported. "He offered sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses." Also read: Massive fire engulfs residential building in Hong Kong As reported by news agency AFP, huge flames first took hold on bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, which contains nearly 2,000 flats in eight towers in the northern district of Tai Po and was reportedly undergoing estate-wide maintenance. City leader John Lee early Thursday gave the death toll as 36, including a firefighter, with 279 people unaccounted for.

The fire sparked first in the afternoon and is still burning even in the early hours of Thursday.&nbsp;

Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire mounts to 36, over 200 people missing

A masive fire broke out at multiple high-rise towers of a residential housing complex in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district on Wednesday (Nov 26). Plumes of thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services battled to subdue the blaze. Several people were reportedly trapped inside, according to public broadcaster RTHK. The city's government confirmed that at least four people have died. Police, earlier said that some fire services staff have also been injured. The housing complex has been identified as Wang Fuk Court, which is made up of eight blocks, providing close to 2,000 residential units. Social media video showed several towers in flames.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Major fire erupts in several buildings of a high-rise residential complex in Hung Fuk Court in Hong Kong. Many people are trapped in the buildings as firefighters battle the intense flames. <a href="https://t.co/3ZV6JHqB21">pic.twitter.com/3ZV6JHqB21</a>&mdash; Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1993604971502153891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to news agency Reuters, the fire department said it received reports at 2:51 p.m. (0651 GMT) that a fire had broken out in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Hong Kong's Transport Department said that due to the fire an entire section of the Tai Po highway has been closed and buses are being diverted. Authorities declared a four-alarm fire -- the second highest level.AFP reported that sections of a nearby highway was also closed by the firefighting operation. “Residents nearby are advised to stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and stay calm,” the Fire Services Department said. “Members of the public are also advised to avoid going to the area affected by the fire,” it added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">At least four people have died and several others were injured after a major fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, today. The blaze spread quickly along bamboo scaffolding surrounding the residential blocks.<a href="https://t.co/82pVeN0FoK">pic.twitter.com/82pVeN0FoK</a>&mdash; Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1993624616158572599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A massive fire broke out at a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, sending thick smoke across the area. Emergency teams battled the blaze as reports confirmed multiple people trapped and at least two severely injured

A masive fire broke out at multiple high-rise towers of a residential housing complex in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district on Wednesday (Nov 26). Plumes of thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services battled to subdue the blaze. Several people were reportedly trapped inside, according to public broadcaster RTHK. The city's government confirmed that at least four people have died. Police, earlier said that some fire services staff have also been injured. The housing complex has been identified as Wang Fuk Court, which is made up of eight blocks, providing close to 2,000 residential units. Social media video showed several towers in flames.

A massive fire broke out at a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, sending thick smoke across the area. Emergency teams battled the blaze as reports confirmed multiple people trapped and at least two severely injured

Massive fire breaks out at residential building in Hong Kong, residents trapped, 4 dead

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