A catastrophic fire engulfed multiple high-rise residential towers at the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26, 2025, killing at least 13 people and injuring 15 others, including several in critical condition.
The blaze, which started around 2:50 p.m. local time, rapidly escalated to a No. 5 alarm fire—the highest level—engaging 767 firefighters and 128 fire trucks.
The fire spread quickly, fueled by bamboo scaffolding covering eight 31-story buildings undergoing exterior wall repairs.
Thick black smoke and intense flames trapped many residents, with over a thousand evacuated to safety.
🔥 inferno in Tai Po, Hong Kong…
13 dead, 15 injured so far…https://t.co/0zZSs0oUgO pic.twitter.com/GBEKLasc6G
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) November 26, 2025
The raging fire sent up a column of flames and thick smoke as it spread on bamboo scaffolding that had been set up around the exterior of the complex in the city’s Tai Po district. pic.twitter.com/eM2gnH40Oo
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 26, 2025
Rescue efforts faced major challenges due to falling debris and limited ladder reach, hampering access to trapped individuals.
This death toll marks the deadliest Hong Kong fire since 1996, with authorities continuing investigations into the exact cause while providing support to victims and their families.
