Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Kills at Least 44; Nearly 300 Missing as Police Arrest Construction Firm Leaders

A massive fire that tore through a residential high-rise complex in Hong Kong has killed at least 44 people and left 279 others unaccounted for, marking one of the city’s deadliest fire disasters in decades. Authorities confirmed 62 people were injured, many with burns and severe smoke inhalation.

Police have arrested three men, aged between 52 and 68, on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. The suspects include two directors and an engineering consultant of the construction company responsible for renovations at the site.

Officials say the blaze began on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower in Tai Po and quickly spread through the building and into nearby structures, fueled by strong winds. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung confirmed that one of the victims was a 37-year-old firefighter with nine years of service.

Firefighters battled intense flames, smoke, and extreme heat, deploying over 140 fire trucks and 60 ambulances. The complex, built in the 1980s, contains eight residential blocks housing nearly 4,800 residents. Around 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters, while many of those trapped inside were believed to be elderly.

Investigators say the fire spread unusually fast, possibly due to flammable Styrofoam materials found near windows. Officials believe these were installed during renovation and may not have met fire-safety standards.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences to the victims and families. The disaster is Hong Kong’s worst since a 1996 commercial building fire that killed 41 people.