Tragic Fire in Hong Kong Leaves 44 Dead and Many Missing

Sat Dec 06 2025 05:58:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating fire ravaged the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong, resulting in at least 44 fatalities with many residents still unaccounted for. Several construction executives have been arrested as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.

A catastrophic fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, claiming at least 44 lives and leaving numerous residents missing. Eyewitness accounts detail the harrowing experiences of those caught in the disaster, as emergency services continue to battle the flames and evacuate remaining residents.

When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy, said Thomas Liu, a student who arrived at the scene of the deadly fire that broke out in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. At least 44 individuals have been confirmed dead, and hundreds remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue amidst the chaos.

The blaze ignited on Wednesday, quickly consuming a significant portion of the eight-block residential complex. Authorities are still investigating the fire's cause, but three executives from a construction firm have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter due to potentially hazardous materials that assisted in the fire's rapid spread.

Thomas shared his shock, recalling how he witnessed emergency crews remove bodies amidst the devastation. The traumatic scene echoed further as Mui Siu-fung, a local councillor, reported that many were frantically reaching out to check on missing relatives.

In total, over a thousand residents were forced to evacuate, and makeshift shelters have opened to accommodate the displaced. As firefighting teams struggled to fully contain the fire, emotional witnesses described the sight of flames erupting from apartments, looming helplessly over the destruction.

Harry Cheung, a long-time resident of the complex, recounted hearing a loud bang followed by a furious inferno. I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight, he lamented. Many residents expressed similar sentiments of fear and uncertainty as they await news of friends and family.

Initial findings imply fire spread rapidly due to combustible materials such as mesh and plastic sheets, which were discovered at the site. Residents criticized the emergency response, questioning why aerial firefighting resources that could have been deployed to combat the flames were not utilized, even as the fire continued to rage nearby.

Government officials, including Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee, have stated that aid is being provided to residents affected by the tragedy. The community remains hopeful yet heartbroken, praying for the safe return of those still missing and seeking immediate assistance to rebuild their lives.