Hong Kong is grappling with a major tragedy after a massive fire swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, killing at least 55 people and leaving more than 250 others missing.

The blaze, which began on Wednesday, engulfed the eight-block residential complex of about 2,000 apartments. More than a day later, firefighters were still extinguishing pockets of fire inside the charred buildings.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the blaze, focusing on construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding and plastic safety netting that may have helped the flames spread rapidly.

The city’s anti-corruption agency is also probing renovation procedures at the estate. Police have arrested three men accused of leaving foam packaging materials near the ignition point.

Fire officials confirmed that four towers have been fully extinguished, while three more are under control. Only one building was untouched.

Survivors reported that no fire alarms went off, forcing residents to rely on neighbours to alert one another.

Volunteers set up support stations outside the estate to assist displaced families and frontline responders. Authorities say 61 people are receiving hospital treatment, including 15 in critical condition.

A 37-year-old firefighter also died after losing radio contact during rescue efforts.

Chief Executive John Lee ordered immediate inspections of all housing estates currently undergoing major construction or renovation to determine what went wrong.

More than 900 residents spent the night in emergency shelters, while search teams continued looking for the missing. Two Indonesian domestic workers were confirmed among the deceased.

The disaster has raised urgent questions about safety standards and how such a deadly fire could devastate one of the world’s most developed cities.

AFP