A massive and deadly fire has shocked Hong Kong, ripping through seven tower blocks in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district. The blaze started on Wednesday afternoon at 14:51 local time and soon became the city’s worst fire in over 70 years. Flames and thick smoke darkened the skyline as firefighters fought to control the inferno. "By 18:22, officials said this was a level five fire—the most serious category," a police spokesperson said. Tragically, at least 75 people have died, including brave firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who was found collapsed at the scene after losing contact. Eleven firefighters are injured. Despite fierce heat, falling debris, and collapsing bamboo scaffolding — the very feature that some experts believe fueled the fire — rescuers have saved 55 residents so far. Hong Kong's top leader, John Lee, said the fire is "basically under control" but more than 270 people remain missing. About 76 others are injured. The fire occurred in a housing complex that was under major renovation. Residents complain some fire alarms were turned off during construction, making warnings impossible when flames spread. "Some of the fire alarms had been turned off during the renovation, as construction workers regularly used fire escapes to enter and exit," said resident Kiko Ma, 33. Material used in the repairs, like mesh cloth, plastic sheets, and polystyrene, are not fireproof. Police suspect these materials helped the fire spread rapidly. Three construction company chiefs have been arrested on charges of manslaughter and gross negligence. The Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption plans a criminal probe into the renovation. Experts say bamboo scaffolding, common in Hong Kong, may have acted like a ladder for the flames. John Lee announced inspections on all housing estates undergoing repairs and is considering replacing bamboo with safer metal scaffolding. Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and holds nearly 2,000 apartments for around 4,600 people, with about 40% over age 65. Many families have lived there for decades. Shock and sorrow have turned into public anger on social media, as people question the safety and responsibility of those managing the renovations. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep sympathy and urged every effort to fight the fire and reduce losses. Hong Kong’s deadliest fire on record, in 1948, claimed 176 lives after an explosion in a warehouse. This recent tragedy sadly marks another dark day in the city’s history.