A blazing disaster rocked Hong Kong as a fierce fire erupted in Wang Cheong House, a public housing tower in the Tai Po district. Video footage verified by BBC shows the terrifying early moments of the fire and how quickly it took over the building. The first flames were spotted around 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) by a witness who shared the video on social media site Threads. They said they heard banging sounds just before the fire started. "The first firefighters arrived six minutes later," said the witness, "but by that time, the fire had already spread to the fourth floor." Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Services, confirmed that the blaze began at Wang Cheong House. The fire did not stop there. It raced through seven blocks in the Tai Po district, causing massive destruction. Tragically, the fire has killed at least 55 people. Almost 300 others remain missing, sparking a desperate search and rescue effort. This deadly blaze has left the community shaken and mourning. The fast spread and intensity of the fire raise urgent questions about safety measures in Hong Kong's densely packed high-rise housing. The incident stands as a grim reminder of how deadly and fast fire can move in tall buildings. Authorities are working around the clock to bring the situation under control and help the missing and affected families.