Firefighters Hunt for Hundreds Missing After Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze

Firefighters in Hong Kong are continuing a desperate search for more than 270 people still missing after a catastrophic fire ripped through several high-rise apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. At least 83 deaths have been confirmed, making it the city’s deadliest fire in over seven decades.

The massive blaze erupted on Wednesday in Tai Po district while the buildings were undergoing extensive renovation. Although the exact cause remains unknown, police say materials used on the exterior walls may have accelerated the flames, prompting the arrest of three construction company executives on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has promised a full investigation.

The fire engulfed seven of the estate’s eight towers, sending thick smoke billowing across the skyline. Authorities raised the incident to a level-five alert — the highest classification — by early evening. Despite the fire now being “basically under control,” the rescue operation has been slowed by intense heat, dangerous debris, and the threat of collapsing scaffolding.

Among the victims was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who was found unresponsive roughly half an hour after losing contact with his team. Eleven other firefighters sustained injuries, while emergency crews have managed to rescue at least 55 residents.

Public anxiety has grown as families await updates on their missing loved ones, and anger is rising over signs of possible negligence. Several residents reported that fire alarms did not activate when the blaze began. One resident, Kiko Ma, told the BBC that some alarms had been disabled due to construction workers frequently using fire escapes.

Online, previous complaints from 2023 about renovation plans have resurfaced. Residents had raised concerns about high fees and questioned whether the materials being used met fire-safety standards. Police confirmed that mesh coverings, plastic sheets, and polystyrene materials found on the buildings were likely not fire-resistant and may have fueled the rapid spread of the fire.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has launched a criminal investigation into the renovation works. Fire safety expert Prof. Jiang Liming noted that bamboo scaffolding, which connected several towers, may also have helped the blaze spread. While bamboo scaffolding is widely used in Hong Kong, the government is now considering replacing it with metal alternatives.

Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, houses nearly 4,600 residents — many of them elderly. According to government data, nearly 40% are aged 65 or older, with some having lived there since the complex opened.

China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences to affected families and urged authorities to deploy all necessary resources to contain the disaster.

The tragedy is Hong Kong’s worst since 1948, when a warehouse explosion killed 176 people.