Hong Kong is reeling after a massive high-rise fire in Tai Po claimed at least 94 lives. Firefighters battled the flames for a second day as smoke continued to pour from the Wang Fuk Court apartment towers. Crews moved from unit to unit with flashlights and worked to stop debris and embers from reigniting.
The fire began on bamboo scaffolding at one of the 32-storey buildings on Wednesday afternoon. Strong winds pushed the flames across seven of the complex’s eight towers. Falling scaffolding and dense smoke blocked rescue access and slowed emergency teams. Officials said contact was lost with 279 residents early Thursday, and the number of missing people remains unclear.
More than 70 people suffered injuries, including 11 firefighters. Around 900 residents spent the night in temporary shelters. Several families are still searching for loved ones. One resident, Lawrence Lee, said his wife returned to their flat after smoke filled the corridors.
Police arrested three men linked to the ongoing renovation work. Investigators said the company used materials that failed fire-resistance standards. Officers also found flammable plastic foam panels inside one tower. Officials have launched corruption and safety probes as public anger grows. This fire is Hong Kong’s deadliest in decades.
