On 26 November 2025, around 2:50–3:00 p.m. local time, a massive fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court — a residential complex in Tai Po District, in the New Territories of Hong Kong. The estate consists of eight high-rise towers (about 31–32 storeys), housing roughly 2,000 flats and nearly 4,800 residents.
At the time of the fire, the buildings were undergoing renovations: external walls covered with bamboo scaffolding and green safety netting.
The fire apparently started externally — at or near the scaffolding/netting. It quickly spread from the first building to at least seven others across the estate.
Because of this, what may have begun as a localized fire turned into a massive blaze engulfing multiple towers.
Scale & Impact — Casualties, Missing, Damage:
As of the latest update, the death toll has risen to at least 44 people (including one firefighter).
279 people are reported missing/unaccounted for.
Many others are injured — dozens hospitalised, with a large number in serious or critical condition.
Rescue and firefighting operations have been extensive: nearly 800 firefighters, over 128 fire engines, ambulances, and other first responders were deployed.
Because the fire spread so quickly and due to structural complications (scaffolding, renovation materials, possibly flammable external netting/foam), many residents were forced to evacuate; some remain missing/trapped, and many homes and apartments have been destroyed or severely damaged.
The size and speed of the fire — across multiple towers — make this the deadliest residential fire in Hong Kong in decades.
Factors & Possible Cause — What Went Wrong:
Authorities and preliminary investigations point to multiple factors that may have contributed to how quickly the fire spread:
The external bamboo scaffolding and green protective netting covering the buildings, used for renovation, are believed to have played a critical role. Bamboo scaffolding — traditional in Hong Kong construction/renovation — is known to be flammable.
Inside the buildings, some materials such as styrofoam boards installed near elevator lobbies were found, which are also highly flammable.
The fire alarm, evacuation procedures, and fire-safety compliance are under scrutiny. Given the rapidity of the blaze — from scaffolding to entire towers — there are serious concerns that safety protocols may have failed or been inadequate.
Because of such suspected failures, local authorities have already arrested three people — two directors of the construction/renovation firm responsible and one engineering consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter due to gross negligence.
A specialized investigation team — comprising the local police and fire services — has been launched to probe the exact cause and possible building code / safety breaches.
Aftermath: Rescue, Evacuation & Government Response
As fire crews brought parts of the blaze under control — four of the seven engulfed blocks are now said to be under control. But search and rescue is ongoing, including in upper floors of some towers.
Nearly 900–900+ residents have been evacuated and moved to temporary shelters.
Local leadership, including John Lee (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) and national leadership (Xi Jinping) have offered condolences and called for robust rescue efforts.
There are growing calls for stricter building-safety regulation, especially re-evaluating the use of bamboo scaffolding, fire-resistant materials during renovation, and stricter oversight of construction firms. The tragedy has triggered anger and fear over housing safety — especially in public/residential high-rises.
