Videos show devastation as Hong Kong high-rise fire death toll increases to 55

The videos from the deadly fire that engulfed high-rise towers in Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26, show devastating visuals with complete buildings seen covered in flames. The death toll from the fire has increased to 55 as of November 27.

In one of the photos making rounds on social media, a man is seen panicking as the buildings behind him are seen burning while fire tenders trying to extinguish the flames.

The fire has left 279 people missing and three people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter in the case, according to Hong Kong Police Force officials, reported news agency PTI, citing Chinese news agency Xinhua.

As of November 27, 55 people are dead, reported Xinhua citing fire department officials. Whereas at least 45 people were left injured in the worst fire in Hong Kong's history, as per John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

It is heartbreaking to see Hong Kong experiencing a major housing estate fire affecting more than 4,600 residents. It has become global news, and even after 13 hours, it is still not under control. Sadly,

36 people have lost their lives, including a firefighter. Please keep them… pic.twitter.com/nY4SmkzJ67

— Ying Tan (@YingTanForNY) November 26, 2025

The police has launched a probe into the matter and initial investigation suggest that waterproof canvas, protective nets and plastic cloth covering the buildings may not be of appropriate fireproof standards.

The probe also suggest that a flammable material known as polyurethane foam could be a possible cause for the rapid spread of the flames. The material was found to have been used to seal windows of elevator lobbies in an unaffected building in the residential area, as per PTI.

????????The death toll in the most powerful fire in Hong Kong in 17 years has risen to 44, local media report.

312 people are reported missing.

The fire in a residential complex with 2,000 apartments occurred on November 26 in Hong Kong, and firefighting efforts are ongoing.

Three… pic.twitter.com/kLWOzG2ZOl

— ???????????????????? ???? ???????? ???????? (@SMO_VZ) November 26, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping offered condolences over the deaths and directed authorities to do everything possible to help the victims.

He also instructed the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee to aid the HKSAR authorities to put out the fire at the earliest, and make all possible efforts in search and rescue operations along with providing medical treatment to the injured victims and families.

????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