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A catastrophic fire tearing through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has left at least 36 people dead and 279 still unaccounted for, according to local authorities. What began as a Wednesday afternoon emergency escalated into one of the city's most devastating fires in nearly two decades, prompting a full-scale response and an overnight battle by exhausted emergency teams.
More than 800 firefighters and paramedics, supported by 140 engines, have been deployed as flames engulfed seven residential towers in the densely populated complex. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the blaze is "coming under control," with three buildings showing no visible flames, though dozens of flats remain alight. Officials have launched a task force to investigate what they call the "unusual" speed of the fire's spread. Early findings suggest the high-rise complex, which was under renovation, was surrounded by bamboo scaffolding that may have fueled the flames. Fire officials also revealed some units had windows blocked with highly flammable styrofoam boards, prompting a police follow-up.
Emergency crews worked through the night, rescuing an infant, an elderly woman, and numerous residents who were trapped on higher floors. Local media reported hearing explosions inside the buildings as firefighters battled intense heat and thick smoke. A 37-year-old firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, died after sustaining severe injuries. Government officials paid tribute, calling him "dedicated and gallant."
Thousands of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters set up in community centres and schools. The Housing Department says over 1,400 emergency units have been prepared for displaced families, with dozens already moved into transitional housing. Councillors at the scene described chaos, grief, and a rising sense of fear among relatives still unable to contact loved ones.
Hong Kong has not recorded a level-five alarm fire, its most severe rating, in 17 years. President Xi Jinping shared condolences, and political parties suspended election campaigning in solidarity with affected families.
As smoke continues to rise from the complex, the city waits anxiously for clarity on how many residents survived—and answers about how this tragedy unfolded.
