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Deadly Blaze Engulfs Hong Kong Housing Estate, Leaving Dozens Dead
A catastrophic fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people, with hundreds more unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue. Authorities warn the death toll is likely to climb.
Witnesses described thick smoke and intense heat radiating from the eight-block estate, where flames spread rapidly through multiple high-rise buildings. Three construction company executives have been detained on suspicion of manslaughter, linked to highly flammable materials-including mesh, plastic sheets, and Styrofoam-found on the buildings' exteriors, which may have accelerated the fire's spread.
Chaotic Evacuations and Desperate Searches
Over 1,000 residents fled the burning complex, many seeking shelter in emergency centers. Nearby buildings were also evacuated as flames leapt between structures. Thomas Liu, a student who rushed to the scene, told the BBC, "When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy. It's a disaster." He witnessed emergency workers removing a body from the wreckage.
Mui Siu-fung, a Tai Po district councillor, reported receiving frantic messages from families searching for missing relatives. "Many people sent us WhatsApp messages or called us, saying they still have relatives inside or can't find them," she told BBC Chinese. Meanwhile, first responders struggled to contain the blaze, which continued to burn in isolated apartments hours after it began.
Residents Recount Harrowing Escapes
Harry Cheung, a 66-year-old who has lived in the complex for over four decades, told Reuters he heard "a very loud noise" before seeing flames erupt in a neighboring block. "I immediately went back to pack up my things," he said. "I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably won't be able to go back home."
Jason Kong, 65, received a distressing call from a neighbor trapped inside one of the towers. "I am devastated. There are so many neighbors and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore," he told Reuters, watching as apartments burned uncontrollably. Others, like a woman in her sixties surnamed Kam, feared for friends who may have been napping when the fire broke out at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT). Their families remain unable to reach them.
Anger Over Response and Building Safety
Residents and local officials criticized the government's handling of the disaster. "When there's a wildfire, they will deploy helicopters and drop water bombs, but why is there no such deployment and how can they leave other buildings burning?" asked Ms. Poon, a Wang Fuk Court resident in her sixties, speaking to the South China Morning Post. She added that authorities provided no guidance on where to seek aid, despite the fire station's proximity to the complex.
Others questioned why flammable materials-including plastic mesh and Styrofoam-were used in construction. Police confirmed these materials, which lack fireproofing, may have fueled the fire's rapid expansion. "The community is so close to the fire station and we thought the fire could be put out soon, but now the fire has spread. I'm so disappointed," Poon said.
"We don't want to see any more casualties."
Tai Po resident, speaking to the BBC
Government Pledges Support as Investigation Begins
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee stated that government departments are assisting displaced residents, though many affected by the fire expressed frustration. "The government is incompetent," one resident told the BBC, while others described feeling "immensely heartbroken."
Volunteers arrived with supplies, including blankets and heat packs, as temperatures dropped overnight. Firefighters continued to battle pockets of flames, though officials declined to estimate when the fire would be fully extinguished. The cause remains under investigation, with authorities focusing on the role of the flammable cladding and potential safety violations.
What's Next
Emergency shelters remain open for displaced residents, while counselors and medical teams have been deployed to assist survivors. The arrested executives face questioning as investigators probe whether negligence contributed to the tragedy. Authorities have urged families to register missing persons at designated centers.
