Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Claims 36 Lives, Hundreds Missing
A devastating fire swept through a high-rise housing estate in Hong Kong, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving more than 250 people unaccounted for, triggering massive overnight rescue operations and urgent calls for accountability from city authorities.
Rising Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee confirmed the escalating death toll early Thursday, revealing that search teams continue tracing missing residents as smoke continues to billow from the charred towers. During an early morning briefing, Lee stated, "As of now, this fire has caused the deaths of 36 people and left 279 people unaccounted for. There are 29 people still hospitalized, with seven of them in critical condition." He described the incident as a grave tragedy for the city.
Initial reports from officials indicated that fire services initially handled 28 casualties, with nine declared dead at the scene. Several critically injured residents later succumbed to their injuries in hospital as flames continued raging through the densely packed residential towers. Two residents remain in critical condition with severe burn injuries, while others including firefighters also required medical attention.
Emergency Response and Witness Accounts
The Fire Services Department received the first emergency call at 2:51 pm local time and escalated the blaze to a No 4 alarm at 3:34 pm, just one level below the highest emergency classification. Dozens of fire engines, ambulances and rescue teams were deployed as thick smoke poured from the towers, which contain approximately 2,000 apartments and were undergoing renovation work at the time.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of residents gathering on overhead walkways as flames climbed rapidly up buildings covered in bamboo scaffolding. The Tai Po district, home to nearly 300,000 people, ranks among Hong Kong's most densely populated urban zones. Roads surrounding the area remain closed, with bus routes diverted as firefighters continue sweeping each floor to locate potential survivors.
National Response and Ongoing Operations
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed profound condolences and urged city authorities to contain the disaster swiftly. State media reported that President Xi called on authorities to "make every effort" to extinguish the fire and minimize further loss of life. "Xi Jinping expressed condolences for those who died in the major fire at a residential estate in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty," China Central Television announced.
Rescue operations continue as authorities verify the number of missing residents and assess structural safety before entering deeper sections of the fire-ravaged complex. The massive rescue operation represents one of Hong Kong's most challenging fire emergencies in recent years, with the final death toll expected to rise as search teams access more areas of the damaged high-rise buildings.
