Deadliest Fire in Hong Kong Apartment Burned 7 High-Rise Towers: 44 Dead and 279 Missing

On November 26, 2025, a huge fire broke out high-rise in Hong Kong in Wang Fuk Court and claimed the lives of at least 44 people, with 279 more missing. The fire began on a bamboo structure and extended into several towers. Crews had to work all night, and families had to wait to get updates.

Hong Kong Fires Spread Across Wang Fuk Court Estate

The fire in the Hong Kong apartment blocks expanded fast across seven towers of Wang Fuk Court. The scale became clear as reports confirmed deaths, missing residents, and major search operations.

How the Hong Kong High Rise Fire Started

The blaze started at 2:51 p.m. on bamboo scaffolding used for exterior repairs. Dry weather and the red fire danger warning pushed the flames across façades. Foam insulation and dense scaffolding helped the fire jump between towers. Rescue teams faced blocked access to upper floors.

Authorities confirmed 44 deaths by early November 27, including one firefighter. Over 100 people were hospitalized. The Hong Kong fires update placed the missing count at 279. Families contacted emergency hotlines to report relatives trapped on high floors and rooftops.

More than 700 firefighters and 150 vehicles reached the estate. Smoke trapped residents as crews moved floor to floor. Roads closed, and public transport remained suspended. Temporary shelters, support hotlines, and relief services stayed active through the night.

Officials linked the Hong Kong high-rise fire to renovation safety failures. Police arrested three executives from the construction company on suspicion of manslaughter tied to substandard materials and missing firebreaks. The probe remains active as teams check each tower for survivors.