On November 26, 2025, Hong Kong witnessed its deadliest fire in more than six decades when a massive blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court public housing estate in Tai Po. What began as a small fire during renovation work escalated into a catastrophic inferno that engulfed seven of the complex’s eight high-rise towers. The elderly population, wind conditions, and flammable construction materials created a perfect storm of tragedy.
What Happened: A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
Ignition (2:50–2:51 PM)
The fire began in bamboo scaffolding wrapped around the building for ongoing repairs. The scaffolding, combined with plastic construction mesh, quickly intensified the flames.
Spread
- Fire raced upward through 30+-story towers.
- Seven blocks caught fire within minutes.
- Strong winds acted like a blowtorch, pushing flames across buildings.
- Dense elderly population delayed evacuation as many struggled to move.
Firefighting & Containment
More than 200 firefighters battled the inferno for over 15 hours, facing:
- Temperatures too high for safe entry
- Thick smoke up stairwells
- Floors collapsing in some towers
By Thursday morning, flames were extinguished, but smoke and heat pockets remained.
Casualties and Human Impact
Confirmed Dead
- 55 people, including a 37-year-old firefighter
- The toll rose as rescue teams reached upper floors
Missing
- Nearly 300 residents unaccounted for
- Families searched shelters, hospitals, and community centers
Injured
- 45+ victims in critical condition
Mostly due to burns and severe smoke inhalation.
Evacuations
- 900+ residents evacuated
- Schools converted into emergency shelters
- Many lost homes, lifelong savings, and essential medications
Combined casualties (dead + injured) exceeded 100, with the missing pushing the human impact into the hundreds.
Cause & Investigation: A Preventable Disaster
Authorities say the fire is directly linked to gross negligence during renovation work.
Key Issues
- Use of traditional bamboo scaffolding, a known fire hazard
- Highly flammable construction materials left unsecured
- Poor safety compliance and oversight
Arrests
Hong Kong police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter:
- Two construction company directors
- One engineering consultant
Investigators allege the firm allowed conditions that made the fire “spread rapidly beyond control.”
A definitive ignition source (spark/electrical fault) is still under review.
Emergency Response
Fire Services
Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan said firefighters encountered:
- Extreme internal temperatures
- Zero visibility
- Falling debris
Still, teams conducted repeated search missions between floors.
Shelters & Relief
- Schools turned into temporary shelters
- Volunteers provided food, blankets, clothing, and medical help
- 29-year-old volunteer Logan Yeung said: “My heart is tingling. I can’t leave while people are missing.”
Government Support
- Chief Executive John Lee announced HK$300 million (US$38.5M) in relief
- Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed authorities to “spare no effort” in rescue and aid
Eyewitness Accounts: Stories of Survival & Loss
Shirley Chan (Local Resident)
“Imagine a home—gone, burnt. Anyone would be heartbroken… I have no words.”
Yuen (65-year-old long-time resident)
“Our home of 40 years is gone. The windows were shut because of maintenance… people didn’t even know the fire started.”
Tong Pingmoon (74) & Wife
They hid in their bathroom for four hours, blocking the door with wet towels.
“It was pitch dark. We wouldn’t have made it if we tried to escape.”
Volunteer’s Grim Report
“27th floor, room 1—he is dead.”
The accounts reveal a pattern: elderly residents trapped, smoke spreading too fast, alarms unheard due to renovation closures.
Broader Impact: Systemic Failures Exposed
This disaster highlights:
- The dangers of bamboo scaffolding in dense urban environments
- The need for stricter renovation fire-safety protocols
- Ongoing risks in aging public housing estates
- Renewed public anger over contractor accountability
Investigations continue, and more arrests may follow as authorities analyze materials, permits, and on-site practices.