27-11-2025

Hong Kong high-rise fire kills 55, hundreds missing

Date: 27-11-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 3 | cbsnews.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 4 | foxnews.com: 1 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 2 | scmp.com: 2 | theguardian.com: 2
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Image Source:

Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image depicts a large fire engulfing a high-rise building under construction or renovation, with heavy smoke billowing into the air. The building is surrounded by emergency response vehicles and personnel, including fire trucks and ladders spraying water on the structure. The scene is set amidst a densely populated urban area with numerous other high-rise buildings and a mountainous backdrop. The image shows a large building on fire with smoke and emergency responders present. The building appears to be under construction or renovation. Emergency vehicles are visible on the roads surrounding the building.

Summary

A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and leaving hundreds missing. The fire spread rapidly through several tower blocks, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and potentially non-compliant building materials. Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condolences from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Key Points

  • At least 55 people killed and hundreds missing in Hong Kong high-rise fire
  • Fire spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding and non-compliant building materials
  • Three construction company executives arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
  • Chinese tech giants pledge millions in aid to support rescue efforts
  • Hong Kong government launches investigation into cause of fire and potential negligence

Articles in this Cluster

BBC on the scene of the Hong Kong apartment block blaze

A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for. The BBC's Martin Yip visited the scene after the fire had been burning for nearly 24 hours. The article provides live coverage and updates on the situation, as well as videos and footage of the blaze.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po district, BBC, Martin Yip, high-rise tower blocksTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hong Kong residents react as deadly fire tears through housing estate

A devastating fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 44 people and forcing over a thousand to evacuate. The cause of the fire is unknown, but three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to flammable materials. Residents expressed shock, anger, and disappointment at the scale of the disaster and the perceived inadequate response from authorities. The government has promised to assist affected residents.
Entities: Hong Kong, Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po district, Thomas Liu, Mui Siu-fungTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

What we know about the Hong Kong apartment fires

A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and injuring many more. The fire, which was classified as a level five alarm, spread rapidly through several tower blocks, prompting a massive evacuation effort. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condolences from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The fire has highlighted concerns about fire safety in older buildings and the use of non-fireproof materials in construction.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po district, Wang Fuk Court, Xi Jinping, Ho Wai-hoTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Fire in Hong Kong high-rise complex kills at least 55 people, hundreds reported missing; 3 arrested - CBS News

A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and leaving over 250 others missing. The fire, which started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower, spread rapidly across seven of the complex's eight buildings, fueled by windy conditions and potentially non-compliant building materials. Three men from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The disaster is Hong Kong's deadliest fire in years, with many of the victims believed to be elderly. The city's authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the potential negligence of the construction company.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po, Wang Fuk Court, Fire Services Department, Andy YeungTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Chinese firms rush to pledge millions in fire rescue as Hong Kong fire death toll climbs to 55

A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has killed at least 55 people and left hundreds missing. Chinese private firms, including Alibaba Group, Ant Group, Tencent Holdings, and others, have pledged tens of millions of dollars to support rescue and relief efforts. The blaze is believed to have started on a section of bamboo scaffolding and spread through wooden poles and protective netting, raising questions over building practices. President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to reduce casualties and rallied relevant authorities to provide necessary support. The fire is Hong Kong's deadliest since 1948, and three men from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Entities: Alibaba Group, Ant Group, Tencent Holdings, Xiaomi Corp, ByteDanceTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Bamboo scaffolding: Centuries-old construction technique comes under scrutiny after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in years | CNNClose icon

A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has raised concerns about the safety of bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old construction technique used extensively in the city. The fire, which killed dozens, occurred at a residential complex under renovation and surrounded by bamboo scaffolding. Authorities have arrested three people linked to a construction company accused of gross negligence. The incident has sparked a debate about the future of bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong, with some calling for its phase-out due to its combustibility and others arguing it's a cultural heritage that needs to be preserved. Experts point to the rapid spread of the fire due to the bamboo scaffolding and other flammable materials used in the construction site.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po district, Bamboo scaffolding, Xinyan Huang, Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

High-rise fire leaves several dead | CNN

A devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong's residential towers has resulted in multiple fatalities and displaced thousands of residents. The fire engulfed multiple high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex, with at least 13 people confirmed dead and hundreds still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency teams search for survivors. The incident has caused widespread disruption and trauma, with many residents sharing their fear and confusion. The article also touches on other unrelated news stories from around the world, including natural disasters, conflicts, and significant events.
Entities: Hong Kong, CNN, Sophie Garnett, Ivan Watson, Steve WitkoffTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

‘I’m devastated’: Hong Kong fire victim shares fear and confusion | CNN

A devastating high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong has displaced thousands of residents, claimed dozens of lives, and left hundreds missing. The article discusses the fire's impact, rescue efforts, and shares the emotional testimony of a fire victim. The fire is one of several major news stories covered by CNN, including other global events such as a US-Russia relations controversy, a New Zealand mother's sentencing for murdering her children, and natural disasters in Thailand and Vietnam.
Entities: Hong Kong, Nina Avramova, CNN, Ivan Watson, high-rise apartment firesTone: emotionalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live updates: Hong Kong apartment fire death toll jumps, many still missing in Tai Po district | CNNClose icon

A devastating fire broke out in a Hong Kong public housing estate in Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and leaving hundreds missing. The fire, which started on Wednesday, spread rapidly through several high-rise buildings, with some still ablaze 24 hours later. Rescuers have been searching for missing residents, with three men arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire. The cause of the fire is being investigated, with bamboo scaffolding and construction materials a focus of the probe. Chinese tech giants and entrepreneurs have donated millions to support relief efforts.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po district, Wang Fuk Court housing estate, Alibaba, Jack MaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hong Kong fire kills 36 people, including firefighter, in Tai Po blaze | Fox News

A devastating fire broke out in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 36 people, including a firefighter, and leaving hundreds missing. The blaze engulfed several high-rise residential towers, with 279 people reported missing and 29 hospitalized, including seven in critical condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Residents reported that fire alarms failed to go off, and some were only warned by a security guard knocking on their doors. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condolences.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po, John Lee, Wang Fuk Court, Fire Services DepartmentTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Death toll from huge Hong Kong fire rises to 55 with hundreds still missing

A devastating fire swept through a high-rise complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and injuring 62 others. The fire started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower and spread rapidly due to windy conditions and potentially non-compliant materials on the exterior walls. Three construction workers were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. The complex, which housed around 4,800 residents, was undergoing renovation, and many elderly people were among those affected. The Hong Kong government has prioritized the disaster response, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping has expressed condolences to the victims' families.
Entities: Hong Kong, Wang Fuk Court complex, Tai Po district, China, Xi JinpingTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Police make arrests over huge Hong Kong flats fire - with dozens killed and more still missing | World News | Sky News

A devastating fire engulfed a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and leaving nearly 300 missing. Three people, including two directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The fire may have been spread by unsafe bamboo scaffolding and protective mesh sheets installed for maintenance. Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has pledged a thorough investigation into the incident.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po, Wang Fuk Court, John Lee, Xi JinpingTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hong Kong Arrests 3 Tied to Construction Company After Deadly Apartment Fire - The New York Times

The Hong Kong police arrested three people connected to a construction company after a deadly apartment fire, citing 'gross negligence' that may have contributed to the blaze's rapid spread. The company, Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, was hired for renovation work at Wang Fuk Court, where the fire occurred. Experts suspect that the mesh netting used on the building's scaffolding was not fire-resistant, exacerbating the fire's spread. The authorities have formed a special task force to investigate the incident.
Entities: Hong Kong, Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, Wang Fuk Court, Tony Za, Hong Kong Institute of EngineersTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hong Kong Fire Live Updates: Death Toll Reaches 55, With Many Still Trapped - The New York Times

A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 55 people and leaving many trapped. The fire started around 2:50 p.m. and quickly spread to multiple towers, with firefighters battling the blaze for over 24 hours. The authorities suspect that building materials on the exteriors of the towers did not meet fire-safety standards, contributing to the fire's rapid spread. Three people, including two directors and a consultant of a construction company, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The Hong Kong government has announced plans to phase out the use of bamboo scaffolding in favor of steel due to its flammability. The incident is one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong's history, with many residents displaced and seeking shelter.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po, Wang Fuk Court, Hong Kong police, Indonesian ConsulateTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Death toll hits 55 in Hong Kong’s worst fire in 7 decades | South China Morning Post

A devastating fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in 55 deaths and 76 injuries. The fire, which started on Wednesday, spread rapidly across seven out of eight residential blocks in the estate, with 62 people still trapped inside. Three individuals, including two directors and a consultant of the contractor responsible for the renovation, have been arrested for manslaughter. The investigation revealed that highly flammable styrofoam material used in the renovation caused the fire to spread quickly. The Hong Kong government has launched a criminal investigation and ordered inspections of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations. The city's leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, has vowed to investigate the fire and review the need to postpone the upcoming Legco election.
Entities: Hong Kong, Tai Po, Wang Fuk Court, John Lee Ka-chiu, Xi JinpingTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Jack Ma Foundation, Alibaba and Ant Group pledge US$8 million for Hong Kong fire victims | South China Morning Post

The Jack Ma Foundation, Alibaba Group Holding, and Ant Group have pledged a total of HK$60 million (US$7.7 million) to support victims of a deadly fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. The fire killed at least 55 people, including a firefighter. The Jack Ma Foundation donated HK$30 million, while Alibaba and Ant Group contributed HK$20 million and HK$10 million, respectively. The donation will be used to support families, firefighters, and rescuers affected by the tragedy. Alibaba has released the first phase of its donation to support rescue efforts and provide essential materials.
Entities: Jack Ma Foundation, Alibaba Group Holding, Ant Group, Hong Kong, Tai Po districtTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Hong Kong fire latest: rescue crews search for survivors after 55 killed and hundreds reported missing | Hong Kong | The Guardian

A devastating fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in 55 deaths and hundreds reported missing. The fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon, spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding and potentially non-fire-resistant materials used in renovation work. Three men from the construction company have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence. The city's leader has announced an immediate inspection of all housing estates undergoing major repairs. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and concerns have been raised about the potential liability of the insurance company covering the complex.
Entities: Hong Kong, Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po district, John Lee, Xi JinpingTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hong Kong fire: police blame construction firm’s ‘gross negligence’ as death toll rises to 55 | Hong Kong apartment fires | The Guardian

A devastating fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 55 people and leaving nearly 300 missing. The fire is believed to have spread rapidly due to unsafe scaffolding materials and foam used during maintenance work. Hong Kong police have alleged 'gross negligence' by the construction company responsible for the maintenance work and have arrested three employees. The incident has prompted comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London.
Entities: Hong Kong, Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, John LeeTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform