Tragic Blaze Claims Lives in Hong Kong Apartment Towers

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:45:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court results in at least 13 fatalities and over a dozen injuries, amidst ongoing evacuations and emergency responses.

A severe fire has engulfed multiple high-rise towers at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, leading to a tragic death toll of at least 13 individuals, including a firefighter. With hundreds affected, emergency services have mobilized extensively to manage the ongoing crisis, while investigations into the fire's cause are underway. Evacuations and shelter provisions are in place for thousands of displaced residents amid rising concerns over safety protocols during renovations.

A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 13 people and injuring 15 more. There are reports of missing people, and thousands have been evacuated to nearby shelters.

Pictures show several buildings ablaze, with thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating Hong Kong's skyline. As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with 767 firefighters deployed to the scene. What caused the blaze is still unclear, but here is what we do know, so far.

Where and when did the fire start?

The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT). Wang Fuk Court consists of eight 31-storey tower blocks, seven of which have been affected by the fire. The buildings provide 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, according to the 2021 government census. Built in 1983, the tower blocks were undergoing renovations, with bamboo scaffolding and construction netting covering the outside, which is believed to have facilitated the fire's rapid spread.

How serious is the fire?

The Hong Kong fire department has classified the blaze as a level five alarm, the highest severity rating, marking the first such incident in 17 years. The rapid escalation of the fire led to hearing explosions within the building and challenges in reaching higher levels for firefighting operations. Firefighters faced extreme heat and falling debris, complicating rescue efforts.

What do we know about the victims?

The Hong Kong government initially reported four fatalities, which later rose significantly to 13, with fears that the number could increase as several people remain unaccounted for. Among those killed was firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who had been with the fire service for nine years.

Emergency hotline and shelters set up

A mass evacuation has occurred, with emergency shelters established to accommodate displaced residents. However, some shelters reached capacity quickly, indicating the significant impact of the fire on the community. An emergency monitoring center has been activated to coordinate relief efforts, and a hotline has been set up for casualty inquiries.

Hong Kong and bamboo scaffolding

The tower blocks were covered in bamboo scaffolding during renovations. Although it is an iconic part of Hong Kong's skyline, concerns over safety have arisen, particularly due to bamboo's combustibility. Recent government efforts had aimed to phase out its use in construction due to safety issues, especially after incidents where scaffolding-related deaths occurred.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire and its rapid spread, particularly through the scaffolding. The situation remains critical as emergency services continue to battle the flames and assist affected residents.