On November 26, 2025, a massive fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong’s densely populated Tai Po district, northern New Territories, engulfing bamboo scaffolding on multiple high-rise apartment towers in one of the city’s worst blazes in decades. The flames spread rapidly across seven of the eight towers, fueled by the flammable scaffolding used for ongoing renovations, trapping residents on upper floors amid thick smoke and falling debris.
Details:
Casualties: At least 44 people were confirmed dead, including a 37-year-old firefighter (Ho Wai-ho) who died in the line of duty. Another 279 residents remain unaccounted for, with fears the toll could rise significantly. At least 62 others were injured, primarily from burns and smoke inhalation; 45 are in critical condition, and 24 in serious condition as of November 27.
Response Efforts: Over 200 fire trucks and 100 ambulances were deployed, battling the five-alarm fire for nearly 24 hours. Rescuers faced challenges from intense heat, smoke, and structural hazards, with some residents still potentially trapped. Temporary shelters were opened at nearby community centers and schools for the thousands evacuated.
Investigation: Authorities launched a criminal probe, arresting three men—two directors and a consultant from a construction company—on suspicion of manslaughter. The fire’s “unusual” spread has raised questions about building safety standards in Hong Kong, a city with high-rises and a strong public safety record. Officials plan immediate inspections of all estates with major works.
This tragedy, the deadliest in Hong Kong since a 1996 blaze that killed 41, has prompted Chief Executive John Lee to suspend legislative election campaigning and express deep condolences. Many affected residents are elderly, highlighting vulnerabilities in the city’s aging public housing. Rescue and search operations continue as of November 27.
Residents wrapped in blankets watch flames engulf bamboo scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court housing estate after a major fire broke out Evacuees wrapped in blankets rest on a nearby platform after a major fire at Wang Fuk Court housing estate Firefighters work to extinguish flames as bamboo scaffolding burns across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate
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Firefighters work at the scene after a fire broke out, burning bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate First responders recover the body of a victim, as fire burns bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate A fire burns bamboo scaffolding on a building at Wang Fuk Court housing estate
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Hong Kong, CHINAShare this photo Fire and smoke engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate A woman receives medical attention at a temporary shelter after a fire broke out across multiple buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate Firefighters work as efforts are underway to extinguish flames engulfing bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate Smoke rises as flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate A woman reacts at a temporary shelter, after a fire started across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate Efforts are underway to extinguish flames engulfing bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate Firefighters work as efforts are underway to extinguish flames engulfing bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate Smoke rises as flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate Emergency workers shift a casualty following a fire across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate Fire burns bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate Smoke rises as flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate A woman walks as fire and smoke engulf the bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate Smoke rises as flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26. REUTERS
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