Source: OT-Team(G), 央视新闻; 广州日报; South China Morning Post
A major fire broke out on the afternoon of 26 November across multiple residential blocks in Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate in Tai Po, New Territories.
Updated figures released today (27 November) by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department confirm that the blaze has claimed at least 44 lives and left 45 others injured. Hong Kong police have arrested three senior personnel from the building's maintenance contractor on suspicion of manslaughter.
In the early hours of 27 November, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee stated that the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government "attaches the utmost importance" to the incident. He added that the immediate priorities are extinguishing the fire and rescuing the injured. Authorities say the fire has since been largely brought under control.
1. Security Chief: Criminal Element Cannot Be Ruled Out
Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang stated in the early hours of 27 November that, based on preliminary on-site assessments, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of criminal involvement in the Tai Po fire. Tang confirmed that the case has been handed over to the Hong Kong Police Force for an expanded investigation.
Police say they have uncovered multiple fire-safety irregularities during their early probe. Officers found that the exterior walls of several affected buildings had been covered with protective netting, waterproof tarpaulins, and plastic sheeting, materials that are suspected to be non-compliant with fire-resistance standards.
In one block that was not directly hit by the initial blaze, police discovered that every lift lobby window was sealed with polystyrene foam, a highly flammable material that could have accelerated the spread of the fire. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the foam insulation contributed to the blaze's rapid escalation.
According to police, a contracted engineering company was responsible for installing these materials. Officers believe that the company's management displayed serious negligence, which resulted in the fire spreading quickly and causing heavy casualties.
The three individuals arrested—two directors and one engineering consultant, aged 52 to 68—were all senior figures of the engineering company and are currently being held on suspicion of manslaughter.
2. Blaze Spread to Multiple Buildings
According to a Deputy Director of the Fire Services Department, initial assessments indicate that piles of debris and bamboo scaffolding caught fire and, driven by strong winds, ignited nearby buildings. The fire ultimately spread to seven of the eight blocks in the estate. Firefighters deployed internal hydrant systems in the unaffected block and reinforced protection efforts from the rooftop, while directing water jets toward adjacent buildings.
3. Road Closures and School Suspensions
Police said several nearby roads have been closed due to safety concerns. Roadblocks will be adjusted in real time depending on rescue needs, and motorists are urged to follow police instructions. The public is advised to avoid approaching the affected area unless necessary.
According to the Education Bureau, multiple schools in the Tai Po District suspended classes on 27 November.
4. Large-Scale Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Journalists have learned that the SAR government has deployed over 120 fire engines, more than 50 ambulances, and over 700 firefighters and paramedics in the ongoing rescue operation.
The Fire Services Department reports that eight hydrant lines and seven aerial ladders have been used for firefighting, with 22 task forces responding to calls for assistance.
Police have set up a dedicated hotline to help affected residents locate relatives. More than 400 officers have been mobilized for evacuation and perimeter control.
The Tai Po District Office has opened five community halls, as well as facilities in two social service centres and several transitional housing units, to serve as temporary shelters. More than 700 residents are currently using these facilities. Nineteen Care Teams have been deployed, and the Auxiliary Medical Service has sent personnel to support shelter operations.
The Social Welfare Department has dispatched staff, including social workers and clinical psychologists, to all shelters to provide emergency support to victims and their families.
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