A horrific fire has ripped through multiple high-rise in Hong Kong, killing at least 36 people but with 279 more still missing and many likely to be dead. It’s being labeled the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in over 17 years. See it here: More photos and video here: HONGKONG : Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 17 years has killed at least 36 people, including a firefighter, with 279 others reported missing after a massive blaze swept through multiple high-rise apartment buildings in Tai Po on Wednesday night. #china #fire #HongKong pic.twitter.com/IDe32IPEOX — Washington Report (@Washington_Rep) November 26, 2025 And many more here too: Horrifying visuals from hong kong several buildings burned more than dozen people burnt alive . Rescue teams are trying very hard . Wishing for safety of everyone.#hongkong #hongkongfire #FireStorm #HongKongers pic.twitter.com/njZxB4zswF — ɳ เ ร ɦ α (@itsnisha03) November 26, 2025 Residents remain trapped on the higher floors of the building, but that’s strange because I thought we all learned on 9/11 that a fire of this scale will cause the building to suddenly implode? Strange (but a blessing) that the buildings have not collapsed yet. I guess “Lucky Larry” didn’t own them?  ALLLLLLEGEDLY? At least 36 people have died and 279 people are unaccounted for, officials say. Residents remain trapped on higher floors of the buildings. https://t.co/iclSJYO8p1 pic.twitter.com/FtoFH3FyZ5 — CNN (@CNN) November 26, 2025 CNN had more details on the horrific inferno: The three men arrested in relation to the fire at an apartment complex in Hong Kong are two directors and a consultant of a construction company, officials said at a press conference early Thursday morning local time. Police are accusing the men of “gross negligence.” Police found the construction company name on inflammable polystyrene boards that firefighters found blocking some windows at the apartment complex. Officials added that they suspect other construction materials found at the apartments – including protective nets, canvas, and plastic covers – failed to meet safety standards. The exact cause that led the fire to spread so quickly will be the subject of a probe to be carried out by a Hong Kong Police task force, but firefighters have already warned of a peculiarity. Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said that during the rescue, his crew had spotted some polystyrene boards blocking windows of multiple apartments. “These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable and the fire spread very rapidly,” he said. “Their presence was unusual so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries,” Yeung added. Meanwhile, the city’s housing authorities would be looking into whether protective layers used to cover the residential buildings during their refurbishment were sufficiently fire proof, according to Hong Kong leader John Lee. “We will hold those accountable in accordance with the laws and regulations,” he said. Bamboo scaffolding used to encase buildings in Hong Kong that have been cited as possible cause of fires in the past may also be a factor in Wednesday’s blaze.