Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: 44 Dead, Hundreds Missing; Three Held Over Alleged Negligence

Hong Kong Blaze Kills 44, Nearly 300 Missing; Construction Firm Officials Arrested for Alleged Negligence.

The death toll from the massive fire that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has risen to 44, while nearly 300 residents remain unaccounted for. Authorities have arrested three senior members of a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter, citing possible negligence in safety measures during ongoing renovations.

Early reports indicate the fire spread rapidly due to unsafe scaffolding and foam installations. Firefighters battled flames across multiple 32-storey towers for over 15 hours, with thick smoke still visible in several blocks. Operations continue in some areas where conditions remain hazardous.

Investigators noted that the affected buildings were wrapped in construction mesh and plastic sheeting, and some windows had been sealed with foam, potentially violating fire-safety standards. Police believe the company’s “gross negligence” contributed to the uncontrollable blaze, resulting in catastrophic loss of life.

Among the dead is a firefighter, and at least 45 others are in critical condition. This incident is the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since World War II, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon commercial building blaze that killed 41, and has drawn comparisons to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee emphasized ongoing rescue efforts, while Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out effort” to control the blaze and minimize casualties. The fire has caused widespread disruption, with roads sealed, buses rerouted, and schools closed due to blocked access.