Death Toll from Hong Kong Residential Complex Fire Rises to 55 as Investigators Probe Construction Firm

LONDON — The death toll from the massive fire that tore through a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong has risen to 55, authorities confirmed Thursday, as emergency crews continued search and rescue operations in what has become one of the city’s deadliest structural blazes in recent memory.

At a press conference, Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department said 51 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others died after being transported to hospital with severe injuries. Officials warned the toll could continue to rise as multiple people remained in critical condition.

A total of 76 people are currently being treated in hospital, with 15 listed as critical and 28 in serious condition. Medical teams across multiple facilities are working to stabilize survivors suffering from burns, smoke inhalation, and trauma-related injuries.

The fire erupted Wednesday in a densely populated apartment complex in the Tai Po district, a residential area in the New Territories region of Hong Kong. Flames rapidly engulfed the multi-building development, with heavy smoke visible across the district for hours.

Fires Still Burning in Several Buildings

Fire officials said that as of Thursday, fires were still burning in three of the seven affected buildings, though all remaining blazes were reported as “under control.” Seven out of the complex’s eight high-rise apartment buildings sustained significant damage, including collapsed exterior walls, melted façade materials, and shattered windows.

Drone footage released by local authorities showed entire sections of the complex charred black, with some upper floors appearing completely gutted.

Residents described chaotic scenes as they fled down smoke-filled stairwells or waited at windows for help. Several witnesses said the flames spread “so quickly it felt instantaneous,” leaving some occupants trapped before firefighters could reach them.

More than 140 fire engines and over 800 firefighters and paramedics were deployed on Wednesday to combat the blaze, making it one of the largest emergency mobilizations Hong Kong has mounted in years. Fire crews used cranes, high-pressure hoses, and thermal imaging drones to locate residents stranded on upper floors.

Three Construction Firm Employees Arrested

Hong Kong police announced early Thursday that three men associated with the construction company overseeing the renovation of the complex had been arrested. Authorities said the men are under investigation for potential negligence connected to the fire.

At a separate press briefing, police said they suspect non-compliant materials used during the renovation contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. In particular, investigators believe the company installed large amounts of Styrofoam insulation on windows and exterior walls.

Styrofoam, a lightweight petroleum-based material, is highly flammable and produces toxic smoke when ignited. According to officials, the material acted as an accelerant, allowing the fire to climb the façade of the building at extreme speed, trapping residents and overwhelming containment efforts.

Additionally, police said the protective mesh used throughout the renovation was “not up to standard” and may have hindered both resident escape and firefighter access. Authorities noted that the same mesh and Styrofoam found throughout the destroyed buildings were also located in the one building that escaped direct fire damage, reinforcing their suspicion that renovation materials played a significant role.

The construction firm has not publicly commented on the arrests or the allegations. Police have not ruled out additional arrests as the investigation continues.

Firefighters Describe “Unprecedented Conditions”

Speaking Thursday, senior fire officials said responders faced “unprecedented conditions,” including temperatures described as “near-unbearable,” thick toxic smoke, and rapid structural failures within the building exteriors.

Fire crews encountered narrow access points and partial blockages caused by exterior scaffolding from the ongoing renovation, complicating efforts to reach higher floors. Multiple residents were rescued by ladder platforms or rooftop operations after interior stairwells became impassable.

One official said the blaze exhibited “vertical fire spread,” a phenomenon in which flames travel rapidly up the outer façade — a pattern associated with combustible cladding or insulation.

Ongoing Search Efforts and Community Impact

Search teams continued to comb the site Thursday afternoon, moving from unit to unit in the still-smoldering structures to ensure no victims remain undiscovered. Authorities said they will not consider the search phase complete until all accessible areas are thoroughly examined.

The Tai Po community has been left devastated by the scale of the tragedy. Local schools, charities, and district councils have opened temporary shelters and support centers for displaced residents. Hundreds of volunteers have donated food, clothing, and emergency supplies.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full support for the investigation. “We will not hesitate to hold any responsible parties accountable,” he said.

Authorities expect the inquiry to take weeks due to the structural instability of several buildings and the complexity of reconstructing the fire’s path.

As of Thursday evening, firefighters remained on scene monitoring hot spots, while police continued interviews with contractors, residents, and building management. The tragedy has renewed urgent debate in Hong Kong regarding building safety, renovation oversight, and fire-resistant materials in high-rise structures.