Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a fire broke out across three blocks of a high-rise Hong Kong housing complex on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people.
Another 45 people remain in critical condition, while 279 people remain unaccounted for, as police say they have received multiple reports of people trapped inside homes in the Wang Fuk Court complex, located in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district.
Firefighters are battling to contain the fierce fire amid plumes of thick smoke. Live video from the scene showed firefighters aiming jets of water at the flames from ladders on firefighting trucks. At least one firefighter is reported to be among those killed.
Wang Fuk Court is a 2,000-unit residential complex made up of eight blocks in total.
The blaze erupted at 2.51pm local time and has been upgraded to a No 5 alarm fire, the highest level of severity, the Fire Services Department said.
John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, said: “Police and the Fire Services Department have already set up a dedicated investigation team to investigate the cause of the fire.”
Key Points
- Construction executives arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
- Death toll hits 44 as firefighters work to put out blaze
- Watch: Deadly fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise apartment blocks
- Hong Kong opens emergency shelters after Wang Fuk Court fire
- Fire at Wang Fuk Court escalates to Hong Kong’s highest alert level
Tai Po district blaze deadliest fire in decades
03:00 , Harriette BoucherThe fire that ripped through high-rise apartment blocks in Tai Po on Wednesday is the deadliest blaze Hong Kong has seen in years.
In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a level five fire that lasted for around 20 hours.
Wednesday’s fire has killed at least 44 people, while 45 people remain in critical condition.
Latest images show Tai Po fire is still burning
02:54 , Shweta SharmaThe fire is still burning in several blocks at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex, where firefighters worked through the night to try and contain it.
The fire began at around 3pm Hong Kong time on Wednesday.
By early Thursday morning, authorities said they had brought the fire in four blocks under control, with operations continuing in three blocks after more than 15 hours.
The authorities have said it could still take all of Thursday to completely extinguish the fire
Taiwan's president offers prayers for Hong Kong after apartment complex fire
02:44 , Shweta SharmaTaiwan’s president Lai Ching-te on Thursday offered his condolences to the people of Hong Kong over the huge fire still burning in an apartment complex, which has so far killed at least 44 people.
"At this moment, let us join together in prayers for Hong Kong. I extend my deepest condolences to all Hong Kong friends who lost their lives in this disaster and to their families," Lai said in a post on his X account.
Over 100 pets trapped in buildings, according to Chinese media
02:00 , Harriette BoucherAt least 100 pets are said to be trapped in the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex, according to the Hong Kong Pet Club.
“We estimate that every block has more than 10 animals of different species,” said Zoie Cheng Kam-shan, the business development director of the pet rescue group.
“We have received over 70 reports but are receiving more. So I estimate that there will be more than 100.”
Tai Po housing complex was undergoing major renovations
01:00 , Harriette BoucherTai Po, located near the border with mainland China, is an established suburban district with a population of about 300,000.
Local television broadcaster TVB said the complex was undergoing major renovations. Wang Fuk Court is a complex under the government's subsidised home ownership scheme.
It has been occupied since 1983, according to the property's website.
Hong Kong is one of the last places in the world where bamboo is still widely used for scaffolding in construction.
The bamboo scaffolding is used as an alternative to steel scaffolding and is commonly used in the construction industry in Asian countries.
Watch: At least 44 dead as huge fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise apartment blocks
00:41 , Harriette BoucherWang Fuk Court is one of Hong Kong’s major housing estates
23:01 , Harriette BoucherWang Fuk Court, a large public housing complex of eight residential blocks with nearly 2,000 units, has been partially wrapped in bamboo scaffolding – a traditional construction method still widely used in Hong Kong.
Several of these scaffolded towers are now at the centre of a major fire that has prompted the closure of a key highway.
Construction executives arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
22:33 , Harriette BoucherThree construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection to the blaze, police said.
Two directors and a consultant, aged between between 52 to 68-years-old, have been detained.
Police found polystyrene boards that were blocking windows of the building and suspect they, along with substandard construction materials, may have caused the rapid spread of the fire, the BBC reported.
Tai Po fires 'truly devastating', says foreign secretary
22:30 , Harriette BoucherDangerous conditions curbing efforts to extinguish fire
22:27 , Harriette BoucherFire representatives said that dangerous conditions, including working overnight and the high temperatures inside the building, have slowed their progress.
Fire department's deputy director Derek Armstrong Chan said crews were expecting it to take the entire day on Thursday before the fire is contained.
It is currently under control in four of the eight buildings.
Three men arrested on suspicion of manslaughter aged between 52 and 68-years-old, police say
22:22 , Harriette BoucherThe three men arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection to the blaze that ripped through residential buildings in Hong Kong were aged between 52 and 68-years-old.
The death toll has now hit 44, while another 45 people remain in critical condition.
Death toll hits 44 as firefighters work to put out blaze
22:01 , Harriette BoucherAt least 44 people have been confirmed dead after a fire ripped through residential buildings in the Tai Po district on Wednesday.
Authorities have confirmed that another 45 people are in critical condition.
Deadly fire 'may have been caused by bamboo scaffolding'
22:00 , Daniel KeaneA deadly fire that erupted in a set of apartment blocks in Hong Kong may have spread because the buildings were sheathed in bamboo scaffolding, it has been reported.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire but the bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh in the buildings may have helped it to spread quickly across the apartments, according to The Guardian.
The housing complex was built in the 1980s and has recently been undergoing a major renovation.
Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects, though the government said earlier this year that it would start phasing it out for public projects because of safety concerns.
Xi Jinping expresses condolences to families of victims
21:30 , Daniel KeaneChinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
He also urged efforts to minimise casualties and losses.
Fire is deadliest to hit Hong Kong in decades
21:00 , Daniel KeaneThe fire at the apartments in Tai Po is the deadliest to hit Hong Kong in years.
In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a fire that lasted for about 20 hours.
That fire was found to be caused by welding during internal renovations.
In pictures: At least 44 killed in Tai Po district blaze
20:46 , Harriette Boucher Watch: Deadly fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise apartment blocks
20:34 , Harriette BoucherHong Kong apartments contained more than 4,800 residents
20:30 , Daniel KeaneThe housing complex in Tai Po consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people.
The complex was built in the 1980s and has recently been undergoing a major renovation.
Fire chiefs said high temperatures at the scene made it difficult for crews to mount rescue operations.
Three arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection to Tai Po blaze
20:08 , Harriette BoucherThree men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the Tai Po fire, according to Radio Television Hong Kong.
Police are expected to hold a press conference shortly to provide further details.
Hong Kong opens emergency shelters after Wang Fuk Court fire
20:00 , Maira ButtHong Kong authorities have opened temporary shelters for residents affected by the fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
The government says accommodation is now available at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building.
A help desk has also been set up at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital to assist displaced residents and handle public enquiries, alongside a dedicated hotline: 2658 4040.
Officials say the Tai Po District Office is “closely monitoring” the situation and will open additional shelters if required.
Watch: Deadly fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise apartment blocks
19:30 , Maira ButtHolly Bishop reports:
A huge blaze has engulfed several high-rise towers in Hong Kong, leaving at least four dead on Wednesday (26 November).
Thick black smoke can be seen billowing out of the buildings situated in Tai Po district, as emergency services work to tackle the flames.
The government and Fire Services Department confirmed that people remain trapped inside the 31-storey burning towers, though could not give a figure of the exact amount.
Three people are in a critical condition, with another in a serious condition. A firefighter is amongst the dead, officials added.
Pictures show huge column of fire and smoke emanating from the high rise building
19:00 , Maira ButtPeople gathered on a nearby overhead walkway, watching in shock and dismay as smoke poured from the buildings.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances lined the road beneath the complex.
DAB calls off election campaign amid tragedy of fire
18:30 , Maira ButtThe Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) said that they have suspended their election campaign following the tragedy caused by the Tai Po district blaze, according to a spokesperson.
Campaigning had been taking place for the impending 2025 Legislative Council General Election.
Hong Kong's upcoming election work to be paused
18:27 , Harriette BoucherHong Kong leader John Lee said all work related to the upcoming legislative council election will be paused.
There has been no decision on whether the date of the election, scheduled for 7 December, will be postponed.
Over 100 pets trapped in buildings, according to Chinese media
18:00 , Maira ButtAt least 100 pets are said to be trapped in the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex, according to the Hong Kong Pet Club.
“We estimate that every block has more than 10 animals of different species,” said Zoie Cheng Kam-shan, the business development director of the pet rescue group.
“We have received over 70 reports but are receiving more. So I estimate that there will be more than 100.”
Fire 'coming under control' as 36 confirmed dead
17:44 , Harriette BoucherHong Kong leader John Lee has said the fire was “coming under control” and confirmed that the death toll had risen to 36.
Another 279 people were still unaccounted for, he said, while 29 people remain in hospital.
Safety regulations had been upgraded before blaze
17:30 , Maira ButtIn March earlier this year, Hong Kong had announced it would be phasing out the use of bamboo scaffolding in construction with 50 pr cent of construction works to use metal frames instead.
The city is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Tai Po, situated near the border of mainland China, is home to around 300,000 residents.
The fire is thought to have spread via the bamboo scaffolding on the buildings’ exterior.
Death toll rises to 36 in Tai Po district blaze
17:28 , Harriette BoucherAt least 36 people have died after a blaze ripped through Tai Po apartment buildings, according to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department.
It has also been reported that 279 people are uncontactable and 29 people are in hospital.
Six schools to be shut, says education bureau
17:00 , Maira ButtChina’s education bureau has confirmed that at least six schools will be affected due to traffic congestion caused by the fire.
At least 14 people have been killed and an unknown number of others remain trapped in the buildings of the Wang Fuk Court complex.
President Xi Jinping expresses condolences, says state media
16:26 , Maira ButtChina’s president Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences to those affected by the Tai Po neighbourhood fire, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
He urged an “all-out effort” to extinguish the blaze and to minimise casualties.
It is the worst fire for the city since 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in 1996, which was later found to have been caused by welding during renovations.
“All government departments are fully assisting residents affected by the fire, prioritising the safety and well-being of the public,” said a government statement released on Wednesday.
Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee called an emergency meeting on Wednesday.
One of Hong Kong's two main highways shut because of blaze
15:50 , Maira ButtHong Kong’s transport department has confirmed that an entire section of the Tai Po Road has been closed due to the fire.
Buses are being diverted following the change.
Strong winds contributed to fire's spread
15:32 , Maira ButtStrong winds fanned the flames of a fire that broke out at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in the Tai Po district on Wednesday.
Eight apartments have reportedly been affected, made up of 2,000 residences.
Fire services said that they continued to grapple with the heat in the upper parts of the buildings, which was getting tougher as night fell.
In pictures: At least 14 killed in Tai Po district blaze
15:02 , Maira ButtA fire has ripped through an eight-building apartment complex in Hong Kong, killing at least 14.
Firefighter among those killed in blaze
14:40 , Maira ButtA firefighter has died following the Tai Po district blaze, the director of Fire Services said on Wednesday.
At least 14 people have been killed and an additional 16 have been injured.
The fire broke out at 2.51pm and by 6.22pm it had been upgraded to a No. 5 alarm, which is the country’s highest alert.
At least 14 killed in apartment complex blaze
14:21 , Maira ButtAnother person has been confirmed dead, bringing the death toll to at least 14.
The Wang Fuk Court housing complex contains 2,000 residential apartments comprising of eight blocks.
An unknown number of people remain trapped within the buildings.
Hong Kong opens emergency shelters after Wang Fuk Court fire
14:15 , Maira ButtHong Kong authorities have opened temporary shelters for residents affected by the fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
The government says accommodation is now available at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building.
A help desk has also been set up at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital to assist displaced residents and handle public enquiries, alongside a dedicated hotline: 2658 4040.
Officials say the Tai Po District Office is “closely monitoring” the situation and will open additional shelters if required.
Local resident says she has lost touch with elderly friend
13:20 , Maira ButtA woman in her sixties has said she has lost contact with a friend in her seventies, who she said usually naps at the time that the fire took place.
The woman lives in Wang Fuk Court and her daughters have also been unable to reach her, her friend told the South China Morning Post.
Death toll rises to 13
12:48 , Maira ButtAt least 13 people have been confirmed dead and an unknown number remain trapped or missing after a massive fire engulfed multiple high-rise towers in a residential complex in Hong Kong.
The blaze took place in the city’s northern Tai Poi district. The complex is home to 2,000 residential apartments and comprises eight blocks.
Emergency fire services told Reuters that they did not have a number for the people still inside the buildings.
Multiple people still trapped in buildings
12:34 , Maira ButtPolice have said that multiple people remain trapped in the apartment complex where a huge fire broke out on Wednesday.
An elderly man said his wife was still stuck in one of the buildings as the blaze continues to rage.
Watch: Deadly fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise apartment blocks
12:25 , Maira ButtHolly Bishop reports:
A huge blaze has engulfed several high-rise towers in Hong Kong, leaving at least four dead on Wednesday (26 November).
Thick black smoke can be seen billowing out of the buildings situated in Tai Po district, as emergency services work to tackle the flames.
The government and Fire Services Department confirmed that people remain trapped inside the 31-storey burning towers, though could not give a figure of the exact amount.
Three people are in a critical condition, with another in a serious condition. A firefighter is amongst the dead, officials added.
Fire spread through bamboo scaffolding
11:57 , Maira ButtThe fire is thought to have spread via the bamboo scaffolding on the buildings’ exterior. Bamboo is widely used as a strong and relatively cheap material for scaffolding across the city.
People gathered on a nearby overhead walkway, watching in dismay as smoke poured from the buildings. Dozens of fire engines and ambulances lined the road beneath the complex.
The Fire Services Department told Reuters it does not yet know how many people may still be inside.
Latest pictures show flames engulfing building against the night sky
11:36 , Shweta SharmaPictures show a huge number of onlookers have gathered to watch the firefighting operations in shock and dismay.
The fire appears to have become stronger and the alert level was raised to the highest.
The fire began at 2.51pm local time and it is 7.30pm in Hong Kong.
Fire at Wang Fuk Court escalates to Hong Kong’s highest alert level
11:25 , Shweta SharmaThe fire at the Tai Po building complex has been raised to the highest level, the fire department said.
The blaze was first classified as a No 1 alarm fire, but its severity rose rapidly.
Officials raised it to No 4 by 3.34pm, and then to No 5, Hong Kong’s highest alert level, at 6.22pm.
Hong Kong uses a five-tier system to rate fires, with higher numbers signalling greater danger and complexity.
At least 13 people and many cats believed to trapped in the building, report says
11:21 , Shweta SharmaA former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho has told a newspaper that at least 13 people are believed to be still trapped in the buildings as firefighting operations continue.
These are eight elderly residents and two babies, he told the South Morning China Post.
About 14 cats were also trapped in the blaze.
Police evacuate nearby housing blocks amid concerns over fire spreading
11:13 , Shweta SharmaPolice have begun evacuating two blocks at the nearby Kwong Fuk Estate
.Around 6pm local time, officers went door to door in Kwong Lai House and Kwong Yau House, instructing residents to leave as a precaution while the fire at Wang Fuk Court continues to burn.
Live footage shows fire still blazing in housing complex
11:05 , Shweta SharmaIt is 7pm in Hong Kong and live footage by Hong Kong Free Press shows firefighters working to contain the fire.
The fire department said it received reports at 2.51pm (0651 GMT) that a fire had broken out in Wang Fuk Court. It was upgraded to a No 5 alarm, the highest, at 6.22pm.
HKFP_Live: Deadly fire at Tai Po residentialestate https://t.co/3vbFqPoEeX
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) November 26, 2025
Tai Po housing complex was undergoing major renovations
10:59 , Shweta SharmaTai Po, located near the border with mainland China, is an established suburban district with a population of about 300,000.
Local television broadcaster TVB said the complex was undergoing major renovations. Wang Fuk Court is a complex under the government's subsidised home ownership scheme.
It has been occupied since 1983, according to the property's website.
Hong Kong is one of the last places in the world where bamboo is still widely used for scaffolding in construction.
The bamboo scaffolding is used as an alternative to steel scaffolding and is commonly used in the construction industry in Asian countries.
10:52 , Shweta SharmaHong Kong opens emergency shelters after Wang Fuk Court fire
10:50 , Shweta SharmaHong Kong authorities have opened temporary shelters for residents affected by the fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
The government says accommodation is now available at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building.
A help desk has also been set up at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital to assist displaced residents and handle public enquiries, alongside a dedicated hotline: 2658 4040.
Officials say the Tai Po District Office is “closely monitoring” the situation and will open additional shelters if required.
Wang Fuk Court is one of Hong Kong’s major housing estates
10:45 , Shweta SharmaWang Fuk Court, a large public housing complex of eight residential blocks with nearly 2,000 units, has been partially wrapped in bamboo scaffolding – a traditional construction method still widely used in Hong Kong.
Several of these scaffolded towers are now at the centre of a major fire that has prompted the closure of a key highway.
Hong Kong’s Transport Department says a full section of Tai Po Road, one of the city’s two main arterial routes, has been shut down due to the blaze, with multiple bus services diverted.
Emergency crews are on the scene, and early images show thick smoke rising from the complex.
Pictures show huge column of fire and smoke emanating from the high rise building
10:37 , Shweta SharmaPeople gathered on a nearby overhead walkway, watching in shock and dismay as smoke poured from the buildings.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances lined the road beneath the complex.
Fire spread through bamboo scaffolding
10:33 , Shweta SharmaThe fire is thought to have spread via the bamboo scaffolding on the buildings’ exterior. Bamboo is widely used as a strong and relatively cheap material for scaffolding across the city.
People gathered on a nearby overhead walkway, watching in dismay as smoke poured from the buildings. Dozens of fire engines and ambulances lined the road beneath the complex.
The Fire Services Department told Reuters it does not yet know how many people may still be inside.
At least four dead in Hong Kong high rise fire
10:30 , Shweta SharmaAt least four people have died after a fire broke out across three blocks of a high-rise Hong Kong housing complex on Wednesday.
Police said they have received multiple reports of people trapped inside homes in the Wang Fuk Court complex, located in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district.
Firefighters are battling to contain the fierce fire amid plumes of thick smoke. Live video from the scene showed firefighters aiming jets of water at the flames from ladder on firefighting trucks. At least one firefighter is reported to be among those killed.
Wang Fuk Court is a 2,000-unit residential complex made up of eight blocks in total.
The blaze erupted at 2.51pm local time and has been upgraded to a No 4 alarm fire, the second highest level of severity, the Fire Services Department said.