Hong Kong has just experienced its deadliest fire in decades, with a massive blaze tearing through several high‑rise apartment buildings in the Tai Po district. The incident has caused dozens of deaths and hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, prompting a major emergency response across the city.

The fire itself

A large fire started in a high‑rise residential tower in Tai Po and quickly spread to multiple neighboring blocks in the same public housing complex. It is described as Hong Kong’s worst fire in more than 60 years, with authorities reporting at least 44 confirmed dead so far and many more injured.

Casualties and missing people

Officials report that the death toll has reached at least 44, and more than 270 people are listed as missing as rescue teams continue searching the buildings. Hospitals in the city are treating many residents for burns and smoke inhalation, and emergency shelters have been set up for those displaced.

Suspected causes and arrests

Early information suggests the fire may have started in a tower that was under renovation, and construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding and mesh likely helped the flames spread rapidly up and between buildings. Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the blaze as investigators examine possible safety violations.

Impact on the city

The blaze has forced road closures around Tai Po, disrupted dozens of bus routes, and led to the temporary closure of several nearby schools due to safety and traffic issues. The disaster has also intensified public anger over building safety, housing conditions, and regulation enforcement in Hong Kong.

Ongoing situation

Firefighters have brought parts of the fire under control but are still working through some of the affected buildings more than 16 hours after the initial outbreak. Authorities warn that casualty numbers could change as searches continue, and investigations into the exact cause and any negligence are ongoing.