Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Kills 44: Investigation Underway as Hundreds Remain Missing

Hundreds remain unaccounted for in Hong Kong's most devastating fire in decades, which has claimed at least 44 lives.

Officials confirmed the increased death toll Thursday morning as the fire continued to smolder at the residential complex. Police have detained three individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the blaze, though specific allegations were not disclosed.

The catastrophic fire erupted Wednesday afternoon, engulfing an eight-building complex containing approximately 2,000 apartment units. The incident has deeply shocked the Chinese financial hub, known for housing some of the world's most densely populated and tallest residential structures.

Initial reports indicate the fire originated on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several apartment blocks at Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district. The complex was reportedly undergoing comprehensive maintenance work at the time.

Witnesses described hearing loud cracking noises, likely from burning bamboo, while observing thick smoke clouds and flames reaching skyward. Burning debris and ash scattered widely across the area.

A 65-year-old resident named Yuen, who has lived in the complex for over 40 years, expressed concern about elderly neighbors with limited mobility. "The windows were closed because of the maintenance. Some people didn't know there was a fire and had to be notified to evacuate through phone calls from neighbors," Yuen explained. "I'm devastated. There is loss of property and loss of life, and even a firefighter has died."

More than 900 displaced residents sought shelter at temporary facilities established by authorities.

Officials have announced plans to investigate both the fire's cause and the building materials used on the exteriors that may have accelerated the spread of flames.

A police officer working at a temporary shelter noted difficulties in determining exactly how many people remain unaccounted for, as residents continued arriving throughout the night to report missing family members.

Witnesses observed sections of charred scaffolding falling from the burning structures while flames visibly consumed apartments, sometimes bursting through windows and casting an eerie orange illumination on neighboring buildings.

Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of fire service operations, described challenging conditions: "The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where we have been unable to reach people who requested help, but we will keep trying." He suggested the fire likely spread between buildings due to wind conditions and drifting burning materials.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the victims, including special mention of "the firefighter who died in the line of duty." According to state broadcaster CCTV, he called for "making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and losses."

Hong Kong's city leader expressed being "deeply saddened" and confirmed that all government departments were mobilized to assist affected residents.

A 57-year-old Tai Po resident surnamed So described the situation as "heartbreaking," adding: "There's nothing that can be done about the property. We can only hope that everyone, no matter old or young, can return safely."

Another resident, an apartment owner in his 40s who requested anonymity, expressed concern about housing for those displaced: "The fire is not yet under control and I dare not leave, and I don't know what I can do."

Local media reported evacuations via large coaches, with adjacent blocks also being cleared as a precaution. Sections of a nearby highway were closed to facilitate firefighting operations.

While deadly fires were once common in Hong Kong's densely populated neighborhoods, enhanced safety measures implemented over recent decades had made such catastrophic incidents increasingly rare.