On 26 November 2025, Hong Kong faced one of the darkest days in its recent history. A massive fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a government-subsidised housing estate in Tai Po District. What began as a small flame on bamboo scaffolding quickly turned into a five-alarm inferno, killing at least 83 people, injuring 77, and leaving hundreds missing. This tragedy has become one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong since 1948, shaking the entire city and raising urgent questions about fire safety, construction practices, and emergency preparedness.
Background: A Community Living Under Repair
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and consisted of eight 31-storey blocks with nearly 2,000 units. According to the 2021 census, more than 4,600 residents lived there. In early 2024, residents approved a massive HK$330 million renovation project to repair exterior walls and upgrade the ageing structure.
By the time of the fire, all eight buildings were fully wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green safety netting, a setup that unfortunately played a major role in accelerating the blaze. Despite earlier warnings and a Red Fire Danger Warning issued two days before the incident, construction work continued as usual.
How the Fire Started and Spread So Quickly
The fire began around 14:51 HKT on the bamboo scaffolding of Wang Cheong House (Block F). Within minutes, flames raced across the flammable netting and scaffolding, then jumped to adjacent blocks.
Authorities later revealed that some materials—such as styrofoam boards and non-fire-retardant netting—may have violated safety standards, allowing the fire to spread unusually fast.
By evening, the blaze had consumed seven out of eight blocks, prompting the government to raise the alert level to five-alarm, the highest classification. Firefighters battled the flames through the night, deploying 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances, and over 760 firefighters.
Tragically, a 37-year-old firefighter, Ho Wai Ho, lost his life during the rescue mission.
Victims, Missing Persons, and Massive Evacuations
Thousands of residents fled their homes as firefighters ordered emergency evacuations. More than 1,000 people were moved to temporary shelters across the district, including community centres, schools, and church facilities.
As of 27 November, at least 279 people remained missing, and rescue teams continued searching the lower floors once parts of the complex were brought under control.
Among the casualties were Indonesian and Filipino migrant workers, highlighting the international human toll of the disaster.
Government and Community Respons
The Hong Kong government activated its Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, suspended school classes in the district, and set up inquiry hotlines for missing persons. Social welfare organisations, churches, and NGOs opened shelters, offering food, water, mental health support, and temporary accommodation.
Major companies also stepped forward:
- Xiaomi donated HK$10 million for relief efforts
- Alibaba, Ant Group, and Jack Ma Foundation donated over HK$60 million combined
- McDonald’s distributed free meals at evacuation centres
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club and YMCA offered shelter and support
- Companies from the crypto, tech, and entertainment sectors contributed millions more
Investigation and Arrests
Early on 27 November, police arrested three men, including two company directors, on suspicion of manslaughter linked to fire-safety negligence. Investigators found:
- Flammable styrofoam panels covering windows
- Safety nets and tarpaulins that did not meet fire-resistant standards
- Gross negligence from contractors in charge of renovations
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) also launched an investigation due to public concern over corruption and construction safety failures.
A National and International Wave of Support
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued condolences and urged authorities to minimize further casualties. International communities, businesses, churches, and NGOs have also expressed solidarity, donating funds and resources to support displaced families.
Conclusion: A Tragedy Hong Kong Will Never Forget
The Tai Po fire is more than a disaster—it is a wake-up call. It exposed long-standing issues in construction safety, renovation oversight, and emergency preparedness. As investigations unfold, families grieve, communities support each other, and Hong Kong reflects on how such a tragedy could happen in 2025.
This heartbreaking event will likely lead to long-term changes in fire regulations, scaffolding standards, and public-housing safety. For now, the priority remains clear: support survivors, find the missing, and honour the lives lost.