36 Dead, 279 Missing: Massive Fire Continues to Tear Through Hong Kong Residential Towers |WATCH

A catastrophe unfolded today in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, where a massive, fierce fire ripped through several apartment towers in a multi-building residential complex, leaving at least 36 people dead and a staggering 279 individuals reported as unaccounted for. The tragedy in the densely populated area has prompted local authorities to raise the alert level to the highest, Level 5.

The fire started in the afternoon and spread with devastating speed between the buildings, fueled by bamboo scaffolding that had been erected for renovation work. As darkness fell, firefighters battled the relentless flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the 31-story towers and bright orange flames lighting up the night sky.

Rapid Spread and Collapsing Scaffolding

The inferno is centered on the Wong Fuk Court housing complex, which contains approximately 2,000 apartments. Eyewitness reports describe the flames engulfing large portions of the building facades, with residents seen desperately fleeing through stairwells, balconies, and windows.

One resident, a 71-year-old man identified only as Wong, was overcome with emotion, reportedly breaking down in tears as he realized his wife was trapped inside one of the burning towers.

Local media reported that apartments were undergoing renovations, contributing to the intensity of the blaze. Passersby watched in stunned disbelief from a nearby pedestrian bridge as the fire raged. Footage showed sections of the bamboo scaffolding, which covered some of the buildings, collapsing to the ground as fire crews fought the flames. Dozens of fire trucks and ambulances converged on the scene.

Mounting Casualties and Investigation

The death toll of 36 is feared to rise as rescue teams continue to search the high-rise towers for those still missing. The Fire Services Department has yet to provide an official count of the number of people who may remain inside the complex.

The government confirmed that 29 people have been evacuated to hospitals with various degrees of injuries. Among the injured, three people are in critical condition suffering from severe burns, and another is in serious condition. Several firefighters and rescue personnel were also injured while engaged in the grueling operation. Among the dead are reportedly elderly people and children.

Emergency forces have established an evacuation and aid center near the scene. Authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire, focusing on how the bamboo scaffolding, a material known for its flammability, allowed the blaze to spread so quickly across the residential facades.

Tai Po, located near the border with mainland China, is an established suburban area with a population of around 300,000. Wong Fuk Court, built in 1983, is part of a government subsidized home ownership scheme. Hong Kong remains one of the few places in the world where bamboo scaffolding is still widely used in construction, although the government began measures in March to mandate the use of metal structures in 50% of public construction projects due to safety concerns.