Addis Ababa, November 27, 2025 (FMC) — The death toll from the massive fire that swept through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 44, with authorities reporting that 279 people remain uncontactable nearly 24 hours after the blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon.
Firefighters continued working through Thursday to reach residents feared trapped on the upper floors, but intense heat and thick smoke made access difficult. The fire, which erupted on Wednesday, was still burning in parts of the 32-storey towers the following morning, with several blocks heavily affected.
Police said early investigations suggest that the rapid spread of the fire may have been linked to unsafe materials and renovation practices used during year-long maintenance works at the complex. Issues were identified with protective mesh coverings, plastic sheeting and foam-sealed windows. Three individuals from the construction company overseeing the project — two directors and an engineering consultant — were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Authorities searched the company’s offices on Thursday and seized documents related to the Wang Fuk Court renovation works. The firm has not yet issued a comment.
Wang Fuk Court, located in the northern Tai Po district, comprises eight residential towers with 2,000 flats housing more than 4,600 people. The estate has been undergoing a HK$330 million renovation, with individual units contributing between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000.
Emergency officials reported that the fire had been brought under control in four of the seven impacted blocks, although flames remained visible in others nearly a full day after the blaze began. A firefighter was among the 44 confirmed dead, while 45 people remained in critical condition as of Thursday morning.
Large areas of the buildings were still draped in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh, both of which have been part of renovation works. Video footage showed parts of the scaffolding collapsing as crews fought the fire.
Residents described scenes of panic as the blaze escalated. Harry Cheung, 66, who has lived in the complex for more than four decades, said he heard a loud noise shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday and saw flames rising from a nearby tower before evacuating.
Authorities said around 900 residents were sheltering in temporary facilities set up across the district. Several nearby roads remained closed, and bus routes were diverted as emergency operations continued.
The incident is the deadliest fire recorded in Hong Kong in decades. Officials said rescue and recovery operations will continue, and the number of casualties may rise as assessments progress.