SudhikshaA massive fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on 26 November, leaving at least 44 dead and over two hundred missing. Flames spread rapidly up the exterior of the high-rise blocks, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and construction mesh as part of ongoing renovations. Residents described smoke and heat filling corridors and lift lobbies within minutes, trapping many before they could escape. Witnesses said that screams for help echoed through the estate as firefighters scrambled to reach the upper floors.
The fire broke out in the early afternoon, one of the estate’s busiest times when many residents were home. Videos shared on social media show thick black smoke billowing into the sky and flames climbing the sides of the towers. Emergency services received multiple distress calls within minutes of the first reports of fire, prompting a citywide mobilization.
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Death toll rises as rescue teams battle flames
Image credit: X
Nearly 800 firefighters and more than 128 fire engines were deployed to combat the blaze, making it one of the largest emergency operations Hong Kong has seen in recent years. Despite their efforts, the human toll has been immense. At least 44 people have died, including a firefighter who was responding to the emergency. More than 60 residents were injured, many critically, and around 279 people remain unaccounted for.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, with volunteers and community groups providing food and support. Firefighters worked tirelessly to search through damaged floors and lift shafts, often carrying people out in makeshift stretchers. Authorities warned that the number of casualties could rise as more bodies are recovered and missing residents are accounted for.
Renovation works fuel rapid blaze
Image credit: YingTan via X
Investigators say that the fire spread unusually fast due to combustible materials used during refurbishment, including styrofoam panels placed near windows and lift lobbies. Officials described the progression of the fire as highly unusual and pledged a full investigation into renovation practices and material storage. All eight blocks of Wang Fuk Court were undergoing refurbishment, wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, a traditional construction method still widely used across Hong Kong, particularly in older housing estates.
Experts have pointed out that while bamboo scaffolding is considered safe when properly maintained, the combination of flammable mesh, insulating panels, and wind conditions can create a rapid-fire scenario, particularly in densely populated high rises. The case has reignited debate about fire safety standards and building regulations across the city.
Arrests spark public outrage
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Three men connected to the renovation project, two company directors and an engineering consultant, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Their arrest has heightened public concern over building safety and the continued use of bamboo scaffolding on high-rise structures. Residents and advocacy groups have called for stricter regulations and tougher enforcement across Hong Kong’s ageing public housing estates to prevent similar disasters.
Community in shock amid citywide disruption
Image credit: YingTan via X
The fire has disrupted daily life in Tai Po. Schools were closed, roads blocked, and authorities suspended campaign activities ahead of legislative elections. Families anxiously awaited news of missing loved ones, while the wider community grappled with the scale of the tragedy. Local support centres and volunteers have been assisting displaced residents with temporary housing, food, and counselling services.
Many residents described the scene as chaotic, with emergency crews working under extreme conditions. Smoke and heat remained a challenge even after the flames were partially brought under control. The emotional toll on both survivors and first responders is expected to be long-lasting.
Latest updates and next steps
As of early Thursday, 27 November 2025, rescue teams have established contact with some previously missing residents, offering hope that the number of missing persons may decrease as identities are confirmed. Drone footage and thermal imaging scans show that smouldering hotspots remain in several high-rise blocks, and containment and structural stabilisation work is expected to continue throughout the day.
Authorities have announced the formation of a special oversight task force to review compliance at renovation sites across Hong Kong, starting with other estates that use bamboo scaffolding. Officials have vowed to use the findings to improve safety standards and prevent future tragedies. The tragedy has left the city in mourning and underscores the urgent need for stronger building safety standards, better emergency preparedness, and accountability at every level of construction and oversight.
