Hong Kong authorities are mobilizing resources across sectors to address one of the city's worst fire disasters in recent history, after flames engulfed a residential complex undergoing renovations in Tai Po. As of Thursday afternoon, 65 fatalities have been confirmed with over 200 residents still unaccounted for, according to the Fire Services Department (FSD).
Chief Executive John Lee confirmed that 55 people were rescued from Wang Fuk Court, where seven of eight high-rise buildings remained wrapped in flammable renovation materials at the time of Wednesday's blaze. "Our firefighters have demonstrated extraordinary courage in extreme conditions," Lee stated, noting that eight firefighters were among the 72 hospitalized casualties.
Investigators have detained three renovation contractors on suspicion of manslaughter, with preliminary findings suggesting the green mesh scaffolding accelerated the fire's spread. Over 300 emergency vehicles and drone teams continue monitoring hotspots to prevent reignition.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with Chinese President Xi Jinping urging "all-out efforts" in rescue operations and victim support. Social welfare organizations have established temporary shelters for displaced residents as search teams work through the complex's unstable structures.
