Hong Kong in shock after major fire

The world looks on in shock: a devastating fire in Hong Kong engulfed a high-rise complex within 24 hours. Seven of the eight 31-story buildings in the Wang Fuk residential complex in the northern district of Tai Po went up in flames in a very short time. Authorities report more than 50 dead and hundreds missing, while police are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Are these the cause of the devastating fire? Bamboo scaffolding covered with nets burned down on the outside of the high-rise buildings. The residential buildings from the 1980s were being scaffolded for renovation work. Police arrested three people from a construction company on suspicion of negligent homicide and announced inspections at other construction sites.

The fire department has reported difficult conditions, including falling debris and extremely high temperatures on the upper floors. The fire is now under control, but flames are still being fought in three buildings. During the investigation into the causes of the fire, investigators found highly flammable insulation material around the windows and potentially inferior building materials.

Many people lost all their belongings in the flames; more than 900 people are in emergency shelters now. Spontaneously organized donations of clothing and food are helping those affected through the difficult time. "The spirit of the people of Hong Kong is that everyone helps anyone in need," says Stone Ngai. The 38-year-old is one of the organizers of the spontaneous relief effort.

This is the worst fire disaster in decades in the densely populated metropolis. According to some residents, the fire alarm was barely audible — neighbors warned each other about the flames. "Ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, alerting the neighbors," reports a man who was able to leave the burning towers in time. "That's what the situation was like."

In the wake of the devastating fire, authorities announced a review of safety standards for all major residential construction projects. A law that took effect in March 2025 says that at least half of the scaffolding used in public construction projects in Hong Kong must be made of metal in order to reduce the risk of a rapidly spreading fire.

Rescue efforts are still going on. First responders are still pulling survivors out of the burned-out apartment towers with more than 2,000 apartments. According to media reports, rescuers are also getting pets like cats and dogs out of burning apartments. John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, announced a relief fund worth about $38.5 million to help those affected financially.