Hyderabad: A massive tragedy struck Hong Kong when a fire engulfed seven residential towers in the Tai Po district. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon after flames broke out inside one building. Officials said the fire spread quickly and reached neighbouring towers. The intensity increased as the blaze moved along exterior structures. The situation left responders under heavy pressure.
Authorities confirmed that 44 people died. They also revealed that over 250 individuals remain missing. One firefighter was among the deceased. Teams worked through the evening to locate trapped residents. Furthermore, officials shifted hundreds of occupants to temporary shelters. More than 900 people were evacuated from the complex. Several families reported that they lost contact with relatives.
Investigators review causes behind the Hong Kong fire incident
Police arrested two directors of the construction company and a consultant. Investigators discovered flammable polystyrene boards fixed to apartment windows. Officials said these materials contributed to the rapid spread. They also added that the fire moved through bamboo structures placed outside the buildings. Thick smoke soon filled the entire area. Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department deployed 140 fire engines and 60 ambulances. They also mobilised hundreds of firefighters and police staff. The department said that many emergency calls arrived within minutes. A 37-year-old firefighter died while battling the extreme heat. Another group of responders faced exhaustion due to conditions at the site.
Chief Executive John Lee said authorities are conducting a detailed review. He confirmed that a special investigation team has been formed. He added that the situation remained complex even after flames appeared under control. Meanwhile, the Wang Fuk Court complex, which houses about 4,000 residents across 1,984 units, is receiving continued government support. Displaced residents are being shifted to designated shelters.
