A devastating fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on November 26, 2025, resulting in at least 75 confirmed deaths—including one firefighter—and injuring 77 others, with many in critical condition.

The massive blaze, which spread rapidly, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and flammable construction materials such as styrofoam and green mesh netting, affected seven out of eight high-rise blocks of this 1983-built complex housing nearly 4,800 residents.

Despite extensive firefighting efforts involving over 760 firefighters and 128 fire trucks, the fire was brought under control only after raging for several hours, leaving 279 people initially unaccounted for. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated to nearby community centers, with many still displaced. The Hong Kong government halted election campaigning in recognition of the tragedy.

Three men, including two company directors and a consultant involved in the ongoing renovation work at Wang Fuk Court, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigations suggest that the construction materials used did not meet fire safety standards, raising concerns about corruption and regulatory failures.

The use of bamboo scaffolding, a common but highly flammable method in Hong Kong, contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, climbing 32 stories in just five minutes.

The incident is considered the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in nearly three decades, prompting widespread grief and calls for stringent safety reforms.

Authorities, supported by President Xi Jinping’s call for urgent rescue and oversight, continue to search for survivors and assess structural damage while implementing enhanced fire safety inspections across similar housing estates