Today Hong Kong was shaken by a tragedy that stunned residents and drew the attention of the world. A massive fire broke out in the Tai Po district in the north of the region, engulfing several high-rise residential blocks in the Wang Fuk Court complex. Thick clouds of smoke hung over the city, and flames quickly spread up the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings. The event not only caused fatalities but also raised questions about construction safety in a densely populated city.
The fire broke out at around 2:51 p.m. local time (7:51 a.m. Polish time) on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The blaze initially started in one of the towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex, which consists of eight blocks with nearly 2,000 flats, home to about 4,000 people. It quickly spread to neighboring buildings, mainly due to the bamboo scaffolding used for renovation work. These lightweight yet strong structures, popular in Hong Kong as a cheaper alternative to steel, became a catalyst for the flames, allowing them to climb the facades.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but experts point to potential safety problems with construction materials. The Hong Kong government has for several months been running a campaign to phase out bamboo scaffolding, fearing precisely such incidents. Witnesses describe scenes of chaos: “It was like hell on earth. The smoke was so thick you couldn’t see the sky” / one resident said on social media.
Victims and rescue operation
The tragedy claimed at least four lives, including a firefighter who died while trying to put out the blaze. Three other people were injured, two of whom are in critical condition with severe burns. Several people remained trapped in the burning flats, and police received numerous calls for help. Firefighters, despite heroic efforts, struggled with difficult conditions / the fire reached the fourth, and then the fifth, alarm level on the five-level scale.
Among the victims were elderly people and families with children, underscoring the scale of the disaster in the densely populated housing estate. One of the residents, 71-year-old Wong, desperately appealed for rescue for his wife, who was trapped inside the building. The rescue operation lasted many hours, involving dozens of fire engines and ambulances. Authorities closed a section of the Tai Po highway, diverting traffic and warning of disruptions.
Response from authorities and the community
The Hong Kong government responded quickly, opening temporary shelters at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street recreation building. At Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, a help and consultation point was set up for those affected. The Tai Po District Office is monitoring the situation and is ready to open additional shelters if needed.
The local community expressed frustration at the lack of helicopters being used to fight the fire, which could speed up firefighting operations, as is done in forest fires. On social media, such as X (formerly Twitter), videos and photos from witnesses appeared, including from teacher Paul Marriott, who documented dramatic scenes of burning buildings. One of the posts shows flames consuming the scaffolding while smoke blankets the sky.
The situation is still developing, and the death toll may rise. Authorities have promised a full investigation into the cause of the fire.
Update
According to the latest reports, the death toll has risen to 36 people confirmed dead and 279 missing.
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