Deadly high-rise fire in Hong Kong kills 13 at Tai Po complex
A major fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong destroyed multiple high-rise apartment blocks and killed at least 13 people while injuring several others. The blaze spread rapidly across bamboo scaffolding covering the buildings and triggered a massive rescue operation and evacuation effort.
On November 26 2025 a fire broke out in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, a public housing complex with nearly 2,000 apartments. Flames started in the afternoon and quickly spread outward on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting around the building exteriors. Windy conditions and external cladding helped the fire intensify and spread to seven out of eight residential towers in the estate.
Authorities raised the emergency to a No 5 alarm, the highest severity level for fires in Hong Kong. Firefighters responded with dozens of fire trucks and ambulances. Thick black smoke and intense flames poured out of windows as the fire raced upward through the towers.
At least 13 people lost their lives. Some died on the spot and others later succumbed in hospital. The victims included a 37-year-old firefighter who was among those deployed at the scene. Over 15 people were injured and many more residents were evacuated. Temporary shelters were set up for displaced residents.
Many families have been left homeless and have lost all their possessions. The residential estate housed thousands and the fire has sparked urgent calls for stricter scrutiny of building safety especially when bamboo scaffolding and other flammable materials are used during renovation. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether safety protocols were properly followed during renovation work.
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