Tragedy Strikes Hong Kong as Deadly Fire Engulfs Residential Complex

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:41:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A massive fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong has devastated the lives of residents, leaving at least 36 dead and hundreds missing. Eyewitnesses recount harrowing experiences as the flames swiftly spread through the blocks under renovation.

A catastrophic fire in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has claimed at least 36 lives and left hundreds missing. As residents grapple with the reality of the disaster, questions arise about emergency responses and safety regulations. Eyewitness accounts highlight the intense heat and thick smoke that enveloped the area, pushing many into panic and confusion. The local government is facing scrutiny for its delayed response and lack of clear communication to the affected residents, who now seek shelter and assistance after losing their homes.

When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy.

Student Thomas Liu was one of many people drawn to the scene of a deadly fire that tore through much of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district.

At least 36 people have died in Wednesday's devastating blaze so far, and with hundreds still missing it's expected this number will rise. The cause is not yet known.

It's a disaster, Thomas said of the fire, telling the BBC he had seen a body being taken away.

Many people sent us WhatsApp messages or called us, saying they still have relatives inside or can't find them, Mui Siu-fung, a councillor for the Tai Po district, told BBC Chinese.

More than a thousand people were forced to evacuate the estate as the flames spread, with some heading to centers that have been set up to house them. Police also moved people from nearby buildings.

The fire is gradually being contained but officials say they do not know when it will be fully extinguished, with flames still visible in some apartments.

Harry Cheung, resident of block two for over 40 years, described hearing a loud noise before turning back to pack his belongings. He expressed concern about where he would sleep for the night, uncertain if he could return home.

I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore. Look, all the apartments are just burning. I do not know what to do. I hope the government can help us to settle down after this, said resident Jason Kong.

Despite being evacuated, one elderly woman expressed her worries about her home which was not insured, adding to the community's anxiety.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though it is believed to have spread quickly due to renovations and bamboo scaffolding on the building. Residents have voiced their frustrations over the lack of adequate emergency response, calling for better safety measures in the future. Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee assured that government departments were assisting affected residents.

As the community comes together to support each other with supplies and shelter, they are left reeling from the devastation of the fire and the uncertain fate of their loved ones.