Tragic Apartment Blaze in Hong Kong Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:42:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

At least 13 dead and 15 injured as a devastating fire engulfs several high-rise towers in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court, prompting mass evacuations.

A catastrophic fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 13 individuals, with 15 others injured and reports of missing residents. The inferno, which erupted during renovations, has led to a swift emergency response involving 767 firefighters and widespread evacuations affecting around 4,600 inhabitants. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the use of bamboo scaffolding may have contributed to its rapid spread.

Tragic Apartment Blaze in Hong Kong Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 13 people and injuring 15 more. There are reports of missing people, and thousands have been evacuated to nearby shelters.

Pictures show several buildings ablaze, and thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating Hong Kong's skyline. As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with 767 firefighters deployed to the scene.

What caused the blaze is still unclear, but here is what we do know, so far.

Where and when did the fire start?

The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT). Wang Fuk Court consists of eight tower blocks, each 31 stories high. Seven of them have been affected by the fire, according to Tai Po District Councillor Mui Siu-fung.

Built in 1983, the tower blocks were undergoing renovations, covered in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Footage has shown the fire rapidly spreading through this scaffolding, leading to reports that some fire alarms did not activate.

How serious is the fire?

The Hong Kong fire department has classified the blaze as a level five alarm - the highest. Within 40 minutes of it being reported, it escalated to level four, before being raised to level five approximately three-and-a-half hours later, marking a significant emergency not seen in 17 years.

Explosions were heard inside the building, complicating firefighting efforts. Firefighters faced intense heat and hazardous conditions, including falling debris, making rescue operations exceedingly risky.

What do we know about the victims?

The initial reports indicated that at least four people had perished, but the death toll rose to 13 amidst rescue efforts, with further fears for unaccounted residents. Among the deceased was firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who tragically lost his life performing his duty.

Local police are assisting families in locating missing loved ones, with the deputy director of fire services expressing profound grief for the loss of a dedicated firefighter.

Emergency response and community impact

Wang Fuk Court housed about 4,600 residents, with mass evacuations occurring even from unaffected nearby buildings. Emergency shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced, although some shelters quickly reached capacity. An emergency monitoring and support center is active to manage the aftermath of this disaster.

The bamboo scaffolding debate

The tower blocks under renovation at Wang Fuk Court were covered in bamboo scaffolding, a traditional material used in Hong Kong construction. Concerns over safety have escalated recently, prompting discussions on phasing bamboo out due to its fire hazard potential. The rapid spread of this fire might reignite these safety debates.

Investigation into the cause continues as officials grapple with the fallout from this tragic incident.