Firefighters continued battling for a second straight day against one of Hong Kong deadliest modern fires, which tore through several high-rise towers at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, located in the New Territories.
Authorities have arrested three senior executives from a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter, as the death toll climbed to 65, including one firefighter. Meanwhile, hundreds more remain unaccounted for.
By midday Thursday, thick smoke was still rising from the complex near the mainland China border.
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
The massive blaze, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, spread across seven of the estate’s eight residential towers. Fire crews have managed to bring four buildings under control, but operations are expected to continue until late in the evening.
At least 71 residents were injured, most suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
Residents Trapped and Missing
Lawrence Lee waited anxiously at a temporary shelter for updates on his wife, who remained stuck in their apartment.
“When the fire began, I told her to get out. But as soon as she stepped into the corridor, the smoke was so thick and the stairs were pitch black. She had no choice but to return to the flat,” he said.
Winter and Sandy Chung, who managed to escape on Wednesday, described seeing “sparks flying everywhere” as they fled.
“I couldn’t sleep all night,” said 75-year-old Winter Chung.
Arrests Linked to Alleged Negligence
Police arrested two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Company.
“We believe those responsible showed extreme negligence,” said Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung.
Authorities also searched the company’s headquarters and seized documents for further investigation.
Suspected Use of Non-Compliant Materials
Early investigations point to non-compliant building materials potentially fueling the rapid spread of the fire.
Police discovered highly flammable polystyrene foam attached to windows in the only untouched tower.
The fire is believed to have ignited on scaffolding outside a 32-storey block, then climbed upward via bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Strong winds further accelerated its spread.
Large-Scale Evacuations
The Wang Fuk Court estate—built in the 1980s and home to nearly 4,800 residents, many of them elderly—was undergoing major renovation work. Around 900 people were evacuated to emergency shelters.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has ordered immediate safety inspections across all residential estates currently under renovation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and urged authorities to minimise further casualties.
Deadliest Blaze in Decades
This tragic incident is now Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since the 1996 Kowloon commercial building blaze, which claimed 41 lives.