At least 44 dead, 279 missing as Tai Po housing estate fire rages on in Hong Kong

Forty-four people have been killed and 279 others are missing after a ferocious blaze engulfed a public housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po neighbourhood on November 26, 2025. Scorching flames ripped through bamboo scaffolding erected on seven residential blocks, sending scores to hospital, including 45 who are in a critical condition. Firefighting efforts continue in three of the seven affected blocks. Hong Kong authorities have vowed to launch a full-scale investigation, including criminal probes into the deadliest building fire in the city’s history.