A massive fire in a Hong Kong high-rise Taipo Tower has killed at least 65 people, while more than 300 remain missing as the flames continue to burn. The blaze, which has raged for over 20 hours, has become the city’s worst fire in decades and sparked intense criticism over safety lapses and planning failures.

Fire Spreads Across Seven Towers

The fire began in the bamboo scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court in Taipo and quickly spread through the construction netting. Within minutes, it reached seven of the complex’s eight residential towers. Around 4,600 people lived in these buildings.

Firefighters have been battling the blaze round-the-clock. They are also trying to locate dozens of residents who have not been heard from since the fire broke out.

Why the Blaze Turned So Deadly

Hong Kong has seen fires before, but this one—classified as Grade 5—was the most severe in 17 years. Officials say it is the deadliest since the 1996 Kowloon commercial building fire that killed 41 people.

Authorities revealed that the fire accelerated after igniting substandard protective mesh and plastic coverings used on the building exterior. These materials did not meet fire-safety standards.

“Protective netting, fire-resistant cloth and plastic sheeting on the exterior of the building burned far more intensely and spread much faster than compliant materials normally would,” Secretary for Security Chris Tang said.

Police also found foam-sealed windows on one of the towers—installed by a construction company during renovation—potentially trapping heat and smoke.

Negligence Alleged; Arrests Made

Wang Fuk Court, built in the 1980s as government-subsidised housing, is undergoing a major renovation. Investigators now believe the construction company acted with “gross negligence.”

“We have reason to believe that the company’s responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties,” police superintendent Eileen Chung said.

Police have arrested two company directors and an engineering consultant on suspicion of manslaughter.

Anger and Fear Among Residents

The fire started around 2:50 pm on Wednesday. It remained out of control a day later, with three towers still burning. Dramatic visuals showed the buildings engulfed in flames well into the night as thick smoke filled the sky.

Many residents spent the night in temporary shelters. People expressed anger over reports of faulty fire alarms and the continued use of bamboo scaffolding—an age-old construction practice now seen as dangerous in high-rise settings.

Government Responds With Task Force

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the government will launch a full-scale investigation. A dedicated task force will inspect all housing estates currently undergoing major repair work.

He also announced plans to review the safety of scaffolding systems and construction materials across the city.