44 confirmed dead in Tai Po fire; 279 still uncontactable as search efforts intensify

Hong Kong authorities have confirmed that 44 people were killed in the massive fire that tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on 27 November. Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Armstrong Chan said 40 people died at the scene, while four others died in hospital.

Some 279 residents remain uncontactable, with emergency services continuing large-scale search and rescue operations in the affected residential blocks.

Among more than 100 people who received emergency medical attention, 44 were confirmed deceased. Another 45 are in serious condition and have been hospitalised at facilities across several districts.

The blaze engulfed seven of the estate’s eight residential towers, home to over 4,600 residents in roughly 2,000 apartments. Only one building remains unaffected. As of Thursday morning, fires in four buildings have been brought under control, while three are still burning.

Firefighters are conducting room-by-room searches. Rescue teams have reached the 13th to 23rd floors in some buildings and expect to reach the rooftops by dusk. Twenty-six rescue teams remain active at the scene.

The Fire Services Department mobilised 190 fire engines, 1,100 personnel, and 98 ambulances. Nine public hospitals remain under emergency activation, with critical care focused on patients suffering from burns, smoke inhalation, and other trauma.

Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter: two directors of Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. Limited — the firm managing the estate’s renovations — and a consultant. The three are being investigated over their potential role in unsafe renovation practices that may have worsened the fire.

Flammable foam boards were found mounted on windows across all floors of the buildings. Similar boards were also discovered in the estate’s one unaffected block, indicating widespread use. Police also identified that external protective covers near lift lobbies did not meet fire-resistance standards.

The renovations, which began in July 2024, involved wrapping the buildings in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh. Officials now believe this structure, combined with the foam board installations, contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

The fire was first reported at 2.51pm on 27 November. It was raised to a No 4 alarm by 3.34pm and later to the highest No 5 alarm at 6.22pm. Responding to questions on the delay, the Fire Services Department explained that worsening visibility near sunset and growing operational needs justified the escalation.

Chief Executive John Lee has described the incident as a “massive catastrophe” and suspended all government electioneering for the upcoming 7 December Legislative Council election. He said a review would be conducted before deciding whether the election should be postponed.

President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences and directed the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and Liaison Office to support relief and recovery efforts. Authorities have said there is no current need for mainland firefighting assistance.

More than 900 residents are being housed at eight temporary shelters across Tai Po and neighbouring districts. All 18 district care teams have been activated to provide logistical and mental health support, in coordination with the Social Welfare Department and other agencies.

Fire Chief Andy Yeung described the rescue conditions as extremely difficult due to high internal heat and falling debris. Drones and aerial tools are being used to assess building stability and direct search operations.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang said the spread of the fire was “unusual”, citing the foam insulation and other materials as possible causes. The police and Fire Services Department are jointly leading a criminal probe into the blaze.

In parallel, the Housing Authority and Buildings Department have launched an investigation into compliance with construction and fire safety regulations. They will inspect similar scaffolding and renovation projects across Hong Kong to prevent recurrence.

Public concern has intensified over renovation oversight and the safety of bamboo scaffolding. Some residents reported that fire alarms did not sound, and past complaints had been made about smoking by construction workers and debris left in public areas.

The Education Bureau has suspended classes at six schools in the area. The Education University of Hong Kong has shifted to online teaching due to ongoing transport disruptions and safety concerns.