A massive fire broke out on 26 November 2025 at Wang Fuk Court, a public-housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District. The blaze started on the exterior scaffolding of a building undergoing renovation and spread to several nearby high-rise blocks. Thick smoke and flames enveloped the residential complex, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Authorities confirmed that at least 44 people lost their lives, including a firefighter, while around 279 residents remained missing. Dozens more were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Firefighters worked through the night to rescue residents, navigating challenging conditions caused by the intense blaze.
In the aftermath, police arrested three individuals on suspicion of manslaughter as part of an ongoing investigation into the fire. Officials are investigating the circumstances that allowed the fire to spread rapidly across the buildings.
The tragedy displaced many families and has raised concerns about fire safety in Hong Kong’s public housing estates, especially in buildings undergoing renovation. Authorities continue rescue operations and investigations to determine the full cause and implications of the incident.
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