Tragedy Strikes as Hong Kong Tower Fire Claims 128 Lives

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:42:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A catastrophic fire in multiple high-rise buildings in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has resulted in 128 fatalities and 79 injuries, raising concerns over fire safety regulations and accountability.

In a devastating fire that tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, at least 128 individuals have lost their lives. The fire, described as the worst in over 70 years, injured 79 others, with many still unaccounted for. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with early indications suggesting that flammable materials used during renovations may have contributed to its rapid spread. Authorities have arrested three individuals connected to the building renovations as a part of a manslaughter investigation. The tragedy has ignited growing public outrage regarding safety standards and accountability in building management.

At least 128 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong.

A further 79 have been injured in the city's deadliest blaze in more than 70 years, which occurred in the northerly suburb of Tai Po, while dozens remain missing.

The tower blocks had been undergoing renovations when the fire began. The cause of the blaze remains unclear but officials said on Friday that Styrofoam placed on the outside of the windows facilitated its rapid spread.

Three people overseeing the renovations are under arrest for manslaughter, and authorities have launched a corruption inquiry.

Bringing the fire - which spread across seven of Wang Fuk Court's eight apartment blocks - under control involved more than 2,311 firefighters. The fire was fully extinguished by 10:18 local time (02:18 GMT) on Friday, the fire department said in a news conference.

Authorities said police will begin entering the Wang Fuk Court buildings on Friday to start gathering evidence, and that an investigation will take place over the next three to four weeks. The blaze started at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) on Wednesday, and by 18:22 local time it had been upgraded to the most serious category by fire officials.

Officers responding to the incident have also noted that fire alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning, prompting questions from residents about safety protocols and equipment maintenance.

The extent of the damage still needs to be assessed, and investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.