A catastrophic fire has swept through a residential high-rise complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The blaze is already being described as the city’s deadliest in decades, leaving a devastating toll in its wake.
By early Thursday November 27, 2025, authorities had confirmed at least 60 fatalities, including one firefighter who died while battling the flames.
The situation remains highly fluid and grave, with at least 279 people still unaccounted for. Hundreds of more residents are believed to be injured or trapped inside the heavily damaged buildings.
The inferno erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a large eight-tower housing estate that is home to nearly 4,800 residents. The fire is believed to have started in one of the towers while it was undergoing renovation.
A Bamboo scaffolding wrapped around one of the high-rise towers is said to be the origin point of the fire.
Strong winds and highly flammable construction materials allegedly fuelled the rapid spread to adjacent blocks.
The city’s emergency services mounted a colossal operation to contain the Level-5 alarm fire, the highest fire-severity classification in Hong Kong.
More than 700 firefighters, over 200 fire vehicles, and approximately 100 ambulances were immediately dispatched to the scene, working through the night to rescue residents and bring the blaze under control.
Authorities have swiftly launched an investigation into the cause and rapid spread of the disaster, focusing on potential safety violations and the materials used externally on the buildings.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire: Two directors of the renovation construction firm, and one engineering consultant.
The investigation is highly focused on the possibility that flammable external materials and a disregard for safety protocols played a role in the fire’s catastrophic nature. Local leaders and officials have pledged a full, comprehensive probe and promised immediate safety inspections of other public-housing estates undergoing similar renovation work.
The devastating fire has left hundreds of residents displaced, many of whom have lost their homes entirely. Temporary shelters have been opened across the Tai Po district to provide urgent support and accommodation for those affected.
The community is now reeling from the unsettling mix of massive loss of life and the stark questions surrounding safety in high-density urban environments.
