BREAKING: A catastrophic fire engulfed Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, late Wednesday, November 26, 2025, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving 279 people unaccounted for. As the blaze spread across seven high-rise buildings, authorities confirmed that dozens of residents, many of whom are elderly, remain trapped inside.
The fire erupted in the afternoon, rapidly escalating to a level 5 alarm, the highest classification for fire emergencies. Eyewitness accounts describe flames and thick smoke billowing from windows as emergency services rushed to the scene. Hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics were deployed amidst challenging conditions, including intense heat and debris falling from the buildings.
Chief Executive John Lee confirmed the tragic death toll, which includes a firefighter. “Police and the Fire Services Department have established a dedicated investigation team to determine the cause of the fire,” he stated. The incident has prompted widespread concern, with Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
The housing complex, constructed in the 1980s, houses nearly 4,800 residents in approximately 2,000 apartments. Recent renovations at the site had included external scaffolding, which officials believe may have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. The flames quickly engulfed the scaffolding, fueled by windy conditions, complicating rescue efforts.
As night fell, approximately 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. Many remain worried about their loved ones, with one resident, identified only as Wu, expressing frustration: “I’ve given up thinking about my property. Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.”
The fire highlighted ongoing safety concerns regarding bamboo scaffolding, which has been a common sight in Hong Kong’s construction projects. Earlier this year, the government announced plans to phase it out for public works due to safety risks.
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, the situation remains fluid, with authorities advising that conditions are still hazardous. Rescue operations are underway, but officials warn that the number of casualties could rise as more residents are accounted for.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as rescue efforts continue and investigations begin.
