Tragic Fire at Wang Fuk Court: A Community in Mourning

Sun Dec 07 2025 04:28:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong has claimed at least 44 lives, marking the city's deadliest blaze in over 60 years. Rescue efforts continue as hundreds remain missing.

A catastrophic fire swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulting in 44 fatalities and many missing individuals. The rapid spread of flames, exacerbated by ongoing renovations using bamboo scaffolding, has raised serious concerns about safety and fire regulations. As officials respond to a growing emergency, the community is left to grapple with loss and devastation.

A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 44 people, making it the deadliest in more than 60 years. More than 270 have been reported missing and thousands of residents are in evacuation shelters.

Pictures show several buildings ablaze, and thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating the Chinese territory's skyline.

As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with more than 760 firefighters deployed to the scene.

Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to the fire, according to local media reports, and an investigation has been launched.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences to victims, including a firefighter who died in the line of duty, state media report.

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. Wang Fuk Court consists of eight tower blocks, each 31 storeys high, housing about 4,600 residents.

Built in 1983, the buildings were undergoing renovations with bamboo scaffolding covering the exteriors. Preliminary investigations indicate that the rapid spread of the fire was affected by materials that may have been flammable, including polystyrene.

The fire department classified the blaze as a level five alarm, indicating the highest severity, as explosions were reported and access to upper levels was hindered.

As rescue operations continue, the toll has risen sharply. Police are assisting families in locating missing members, while emergency shelters have been established for displaced residents.

Authorities have detained three men linked to the construction work at the site, raising questions about building safety regulations and oversight.

Hong Kong's use of bamboo scaffolding is under scrutiny as safety concerns have prompted discussions about phasing out this traditional method due to its combustibility.

This tragedy echoes past incidents in the city, highlighting ongoing risks and the need for stricter safety measures in residential buildings undergoing renovations.