65 killed in Tai Po housing estate fire as Hong Kong begins criminal probe

A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed 65 lives and injured 77 others, in what has become one of the deadliest residential fires in the city’s history.

According to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, the updated death toll was confirmed at 10pm local time (12:00 GMT) as of 8pm on 27 November. Earlier in the day, the reported number of dead stood at 55.

Another 62 are said to be still trapped in buildings. 

Authorities had earlier announced that 279 people were reported missing. However, no updated figures have been provided in the latest briefing.

Ten firefighters were also injured in the blaze, which broke out on Wednesday and rapidly engulfed seven of the estate’s eight tower blocks.

Chief Executive John Lee stated that the fire is now “basically under control.” However, recovery efforts are ongoing, and the full extent of the damage remains under assessment.

Wang Fuk Court is home to approximately 4,600 residents, according to the latest census. It remains unclear how many were in the buildings when the fire erupted.

Criminal probe and regulatory failures

Authorities have launched a wide-ranging criminal investigation into the cause of the fire. Chief Secretary Eric Chan announced that police have seized “suspected substandard foam boards” from the scene.

Three executives from a construction firm involved in ongoing maintenance work at Wang Fuk Court have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police believe the individuals acted with “gross negligence” and are also examining potential corruption.

Chan confirmed that both the police and Housing Bureau will investigate whether the building’s exterior materials met fire safety standards. The results will be made public in stages.

Preliminary findings indicate that mesh materials and plastic sheeting on the outer walls of the buildings were not fire-retardant, raising serious questions about regulatory compliance.

Inspections and prior warnings

In light of the tragedy, Lee said 100 contractors across the city must submit documentation within seven days confirming that they are using certified fire-retardant materials.

In a structural safety reform, Hong Kong will begin phasing out bamboo scaffolding in favour of steel alternatives, which offer greater fire resistance.

The government has also pledged increased regulatory oversight at housing estates undergoing major repair works.

According to the South China Morning Post, the Labour Department had conducted 16 inspections at Wang Fuk Court since July 2024, including one on 20 November—less than a week before the fire.

Despite these visits, hazardous materials appear to have been in use during the building’s maintenance, intensifying scrutiny of enforcement practices and contractor accountability.

Government and public response

Chief Executive Lee has announced immediate support measures for affected residents. Each housing unit will receive HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,285) in emergency financial aid by the end of 27 November.

The government is also establishing a HK$300 million (US$38.6 million) relief fund and has secured 1,000 hotel and youth hostel rooms for displaced residents to use for up to two weeks.

All government-organised public celebrations have been suspended or postponed in response to the tragedy. The daily Symphony of Lights show has been cancelled until further notice.

The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), a major K-pop event hosted in Hong Kong this week, cancelled its red carpet segment. Other parts of the event are still expected to proceed.

Campaigning for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council elections, scheduled for 7 December, has also been suspended to allow for uninterrupted recovery and investigation efforts, as reported by Hong Kong Free Press.

Chief Executive Lee added that senior government officials would reduce public appearances during this period out of respect for the victims.

The administration has also announced that flags at government buildings will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect, though no date has been specified.

Authorities will also arrange memorial services and establish designated areas where members of the public can leave condolence messages.

Accountability and safety moving forward

Eric Chan reaffirmed that authorities aim to “thoroughly determine the cause of the fire and hold those responsible accountable.” He said the criminal and housing bureau investigations would be coordinated, and enforcement actions would be stepped up city-wide.

As of 27 November evening, fires in four of the buildings have been extinguished, while remaining hotspots are under control. Emergency services remain on site.

The Wang Fuk Court tragedy has sparked urgent questions about Hong Kong’s construction oversight, fire safety enforcement, and preparedness for emergencies in high-density housing.