27-11-2025 (HONG KONG) Hong Kong police have arrested three construction executives on suspicion of manslaughter after a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential development in Tai Po left 44 people dead and at least 279 unaccounted for, according to early reports from SCMP. The blaze, one of the deadliest in the city’s recent history, erupted on Tuesday inside an unfinished tower where workers were believed to be carrying out interior installation works.
Investigators say the three arrested individuals — all holding senior roles with the contracting company — are accused of failing to ensure adequate fire safety measures at the site. Preliminary findings indicate that blocked escape routes, inadequate emergency lighting, and the presence of highly flammable materials may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which trapped dozens of workers across multiple floors.
Fire Services Department personnel continued search operations overnight, navigating unstable structures and heavy smoke as families gathered nearby seeking updates on missing relatives. Authorities have launched a full probe into possible safety violations, including whether construction schedules, labour practices, or subcontracting arrangements played a role in the tragedy.
Officials are expected to release updated casualty figures later today, while police examine responsibility across all companies involved in the project.
