At least 36 people have lost their lives in one of Hong Kong’s deadliest high-rise disasters in recent memory, after a massive fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon (November 26).

The blaze, fueled by bamboo scaffolding wrapped around the buildings for renovation, spread with terrifying speed and left residents fighting to escape.

More than 700 firefighters were deployed to battle the flames. Nine victims were declared lifeless at the scene immediately. Another fifteen people were hospitalized.

At least 276 others remain unaccounted for.

“It’s a disaster,” added student Tomas Liu, who witnessed a body being carried out of one of the towers. “The heat rises and you can feel it. The smoke is really heavy.”

More than 4,600 residents wer

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