- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hong Kong Fire: A devastating fire tore through a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, leaving four people dead, including a firefighter, and critically injuring at least five others. The blaze, described as one of the most severe in recent years, spread rapidly across bamboo scaffolding surrounding multiple apartment buildings, trapping residents inside their homes.
The fire began mid-afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing estate in northern Hong Kong. According to officials, the flames first ignited the bamboo scaffolding on several blocks before quickly spreading to other parts of the buildings.
Witnesses reported hearing loud cracking sounds, likely the burning bamboo, while thick black smoke billowed into the sky. An AFP reporter at the scene described ash and flames rising high above at least four towers.
Live footage showed ladder trucks spraying water at the fierce blaze, but the rapid spread made containment difficult.
At least four people have died and several others were injured after a major fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, today.
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 26, 2025
The blaze spread quickly along bamboo scaffolding surrounding the residential blocks.pic.twitter.com/82pVeN0FoK
Residents Trapped Inside
Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho told local media that at least 13 residents were believed to be trapped inside the burning towers. Among them were eight elderly people and two infants, he said, adding that evacuation was extremely challenging due to the intensity of the fire.
Police confirmed receiving numerous emergency calls from people unable to escape their apartments.
Fire Upgraded To Highest Severity Levels
Authorities initially classified the incident as a No. 3 alarm fire, but quickly elevated it to Level 4, and later to Level 5, the highest rating in Hong Kong’s emergency system—signalling a full-scale firefighting and rescue operation.
As of 6 pm local time, nine individuals had been taken to nearby hospitals. Officials confirmed that four victims had died, three were in critical condition, one was serious, and one was stable.
The sprawling Wang Fuk Court complex includes eight residential towers with nearly 2,000 flats. Videos from the scene showed at least five adjacent blocks with flames bursting from windows and scaffolding collapsing under the heat. Tai Po, located near the border with Shenzhen, is known for its high-rise estates and dense residential clusters, complicating firefighting efforts.