Hong Kong suffered its deadliest fire in three decades on Wednesday, leaving at least 36 people dead. Authorities report 279 residents remain missing. Flames ripped through high-rise residential towers in the Tai Po district, engulfed in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh.

Rescue teams rushed to the 32-story Wang Fuk Court complex, which contains 2,000 apartments across eight blocks. Firefighters struggled to reach upper floors because of intense heat. Meanwhile, terrified residents watched from the streets.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown. Authorities say bamboo scaffolding and green mesh fueled the fire. Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter, but details are limited.

One 71-year-old resident, Mr. Wong, said his wife was trapped inside. A firefighter was among those killed. Another 29 victims were hospitalized. Authorities placed about 900 people in eight shelters.

Hong Kong leader John Lee stressed priorities: extinguish the fire, rescue trapped residents, support the injured, and launch a full investigation.

Eyewitnesses described a sudden eruption of flames. Harry Cheung, 66, said he heard a loud noise before the fire started. “I don’t know how I feel now. I’m just thinking about where to sleep tonight,” he said.

China’s President Xi Jinping urged an “all-out effort” to fight the fire and minimize casualties. Late Wednesday, firefighters controlled flames in three buildings, but four buildings still burned.

Authorities closed sections of Tai Po Road and rerouted buses. At least six schools shut on Thursday due to fire-related traffic disruptions.

Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding, still widely used, is being phased out due to safety concerns. The government announced that half of public construction must use metal frames after 22 scaffold worker deaths from 2019–2024.

Wang Fuk Court, under a subsidized home ownership scheme, has been undergoing HK$330 million ($42.43 million) renovations. Residents pay between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000 per unit.

Hong Kong has one of the world’s most expensive housing markets, and rents are near record highs. The fire highlights risks in high-density residential complexes and may intensify social concerns ahead of the December elections.

Authorities continue rescue operations as the city mourns its worst fire since 1996, when 41 people died in a Kowloon commercial building blaze.

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