Horrifying Videos Capture Hong Kong Apartment Blaze as 279 People Remain Missing

Horrifying videos on social media show the full scale of a massive blaze that tore through multiple high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kong, leaving dozens dead and many more missing.

At least 36 people have died, and another 279 remain unaccounted for, according to CNN. Firefighters were still working to rescue residents trapped on upper floors as of November 26. The footage shows flames engulfing towering buildings in a terrifying inferno.

One social media user wrote, “Horrifying visuals from Hong Kong, several buildings burned, more than a dozen people burnt alive. Rescue teams are trying very hard. Wishing for safety of everyone.”

A major fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, #TaiPo district in #HongKong on Wednesday afternoon. The fire was upgraded to a No 5 alarm at 6:22 pm and has yet to be extinguished. By 8:20 pm, the fire had led to 13 deaths, according to the press conference. pic.twitter.com/7w1HcZM87M

— China Daily Asia (@ChinaDailyAsia) November 26, 2025

The fire reportedly spread across several high-rises in a housing complex in the Tai Po district, according to CNN. At least 29 people were hospitalized, and three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, accused of starting the blaze.

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

Survivors described harrowing escapes. Tong PingMoon and his wife hid in a bathroom with towels over their faces to avoid smoke before firefighters rescued them. “We were so lucky. It was pitch dark,” Tong told The New York Times. “We wouldn’t have made it if we had to head out by ourselves.” One of the buildings affected has been named Wang Fuk Court.

Authorities said the towers were under renovation and covered in bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting—a common but risky practice in Hong Kong. Officials believe the fire spread through the scaffolding.

Reports also indicate that young children were trapped inside, adding to the urgency and tragedy of the rescue efforts.