36 people have died after a major fire ripped through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong. Authorities say 279 people remain missing and three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. A 37-year-old firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, died during rescue efforts. More than 700 residents were evacuated and investigators are probing whether scaffolding and construction netting helped spread the blaze.
Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze: Death Toll Rises to 36, 279 Listed as Missing — Three Arrested
Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Kills 36; Three Arrested
The death toll from a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has risen to 36, officials say, while 279 people remain listed as missing. Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the blaze.
The fire broke out at about 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Firefighters scrambled to the scene as the flames spread rapidly through the high-rise, which at the time was covered in green construction netting and bamboo scaffolding — factors authorities say may have contributed to the speed and intensity of the blaze.
Among the fatalities is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, a nine-year veteran of Sha Tin Fire Station. The fire service said contact with Ho was lost at around 3:30 p.m.; he was found collapsed roughly 30 minutes later, transported to hospital and pronounced dead. "I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman," said Andy Yeung, director of the fire service.
"The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we'll launch a thorough investigation," Chief Executive John Lee said at a news conference, calling the incident "a major disaster." He added that authorities will provide necessary assistance to victims and families.
More than 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, and officials estimate roughly 900 people were affected by the incident. This fire has been classified at the highest response level and is the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades — the most fatal since the 1996 Garley Building fire, which claimed 41 lives.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze and the extent to which scaffolding, renovation materials or other factors contributed to the rapid spread. Rescue and recovery operations continue as authorities search for the missing and support displaced residents.
What we know now
- Confirmed deaths: 36
- People listed as missing: 279
- Arrests: Three men detained on suspicion of manslaughter
- Notable victim: Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37
- Evacuated: More than 700 residents; about 900 affected
- Potential contributing factors: Construction netting and bamboo scaffolding
Authorities have pledged a full investigation while continuing urgent rescue and recovery efforts. Support services and temporary accommodations remain in place for displaced residents and families of victims.
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