Authorities in Hong Kong have confirmed that the death toll from the high-rise fire at Wang Fuk Court has risen to 55.
At least 123 people have been hospitalised, including eight firefighters, while hundreds of residents remain unaccounted for nearly 24 hours after the blaze began.
Emergency teams continued rescue operations across the Tai Po district as they battled intense heat, collapsing scaffolding and falling debris. The estate houses more than 4,600 residents, 36% of whom are elderly.
CNN reported that an elderly man was rescued alive on Thursday morning from the 31st floor of a tower still burning.
Police have arrested three men — two company directors and a consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter linked to renovation-related negligence. Officials say bamboo scaffolding, polystyrene window covers and protective netting wrapped around the buildings may have accelerated the fire and blocked escape routes.
“These polystyrene boards are extremely flammable, and the fire spread very rapidly,” Fire Services Director Andy Yeung said.
More than 900 residents have been displaced and are now sheltering in emergency centres. Many survivors say they have lost everything.
“I’ve just watched my home burn to ashes,” said 68-year-old Mrs. Dang, a long-time resident.
Another resident, Mr. Yuen, said he has been unable to reach his elderly parents.
Condolences continue to pour in from global leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out response and approved 2 million yuan in emergency assistance through the Red Cross.
Officials say the tragedy could become Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II, surpassing the city’s 33 fire-related deaths recorded in 2024.
Chief Executive John Lee has ordered safety inspections of all residential estates currently under renovation.
