Hong Kong in flames! :ABCnews -

A major fire has tragically killed at least 55 people and left hundreds missing in a high-rise residential complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The blaze, which started on Wednesday afternoon, November 26, 2025, has been classified as a Level 5 alarm, the most severe in the city’s system.
Incident Details
Location: Wang Fuk Court, a public housing complex in the Tai Po district.
Buildings Affected: Seven of the eight 31-storey tower blocks in the complex were impacted by the fire.
Cause & Spread: The cause is under investigation, but police allege “gross negligence” by a construction company. The fire is believed to have started on bamboo scaffolding and spread rapidly across “highly flammable” construction materials, including mesh netting, plastic sheets, and foam insulation used during renovation work.
Casualties: At least 55 people are confirmed dead, including one firefighter who died in the line of duty. More than 70 people are hospitalized, many in critical condition.
Missing Persons: Hundreds of residents were reported missing as of Thursday morning.
Response: Over 760 firefighters and 128 fire engines were deployed. High temperatures and dense smoke initially hampered rescue efforts on the upper floors.
Current Situation
As of Thursday, November 27, 2025, firefighters have brought the fires in most of the affected buildings under control, but some areas were still burning nearly 24 hours after the blaze began. Rescue operations are ongoing, with crews searching for survivors.
Authorities have arrested three men associated with the construction firm involved in the renovations on suspicion of manslaughter. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, has ordered immediate inspections of all similar housing estates undergoing major repairs across the city.
This is the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in more than 60 years.
For an overview of how the fire unfolded and the challenges faced by emergency services

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Hong Kong in flames! :ABCnews

Marian Austin

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