A high-rise apartment complex fire that occurred in Hong Kong on the 26th (local time) has resulted in 55 deaths and over 280 missing. Screenshot of footage filmed by a local resident.

The death toll from a fire that engulfed public housing in Hong Kong has risen to 75.

A high-rise apartment complex fire that occurred in Hong Kong on the 26th (local time) has resulted in 75 deaths and over 280 missing. Among the deceased is one firefighter who was involved in extinguishing the blaze, and with many critically injured, the death toll is likely to increase further.

According to Reuters and Hong Kong local media on the 27th, a fire broke out at "Wang Fuk Court," a high-rise apartment complex in Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, around 2:52 PM the previous day.

The Tai Po district, located on the border with mainland China, is known for its concentration of public rental apartments. It is primarily inhabited by low-income families, and according to a 2021 census, approximately 40% of the residents in the affected complex were over 65 years old.

The complex, comprising 8 towers with 32 floors each, is reported to house about 2,000 households and over 4,800 residents.

The fire spread to 7 of the 8 towers. Four of these towers were extinguished after 10 hours, and the entire fire took a total of 27 hours to put out. The proximity of large buildings is said to have intensified the flames, making firefighting efforts challenging.

The fire scene (top) and the appearance of "Wang Fuk Court" before the fire. ⒸAFP Yeonhap News, Hong Kong Property

The building where the fire occurred had been undergoing extensive renovation work since July of last year. While it will take time to determine the exact cause of the fire, there are suggestions that the bamboo scaffolding installed on the exterior walls exacerbated the blaze.

Bamboo scaffolding, a unique construction feature in Hong Kong, has previously raised safety concerns, and the Hong Kong government announced earlier this year that it would gradually reduce its use.

Additionally, safety nets, fire-resistant tarps, and plastic sheeting installed on the exterior walls during the renovation work are also being cited as contributing factors to the fire's intensity. Expanded polystyrene foam, found on the unburnt exterior walls and internal ventilation shafts of the building, is known to be highly flammable. Some residents also reported that the fire alarms did not function properly. One resident described the urgent situation on-site, saying it was like witnessing hell.

Fire authorities are currently conducting a search for missing persons, starting from the lower floors.

Hong Kong authorities have deployed tour buses to temporarily evacuate residents to nearby school buildings and other facilities. Approximately 900 people have been accommodated in the temporary shelters.

Meanwhile, all election-related activities for the Hong Kong Legislative Council election, scheduled for the 7th of next month, have been suspended due to the large-scale fire. Chief Executive John Lee has stated that the postponement of the election is being considered.

There is also speculation that the Mnet MAMA AWARDS, a Korean popular music awards ceremony scheduled to be held at Hong Kong Kai Tak Stadium on the 28th and 29th, may be postponed.

Reporter Im Yo-hee