Death toll in Tai Po fire climbs to 128 as city reels from Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades
The death toll in the Wang Fuk Court fire has climbed to 128, making it the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in decades. Authorities say the number may rise further, as more than 200 people remain unaccounted for and dozens of bodies are still unidentified.
- 128 people have died, including 108 at the scene; more victims may still be found as identification efforts continue.
- Five people have been arrested, including directors of the renovation consultant and contractor firms.
- Over 200 individuals remain unaccounted for, and nearly 470 missing persons reports have been received.
HONG KONG: The death toll from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen to 128, according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, who delivered the update during a press briefing at 3pm on Friday, 28 November 2025.
Tang said 108 bodies were discovered at the scene, and warned that the figure may continue to rise as rescue and identification efforts proceed.
Authorities have indicated that approximately 80 of the bodies cannot currently be identified, suggesting they were burned beyond recognition.
As of Friday afternoon, 79 people have been reported injured, and 467 missing person reports have been received.
Officials said the status of around 200 individuals remains unclear.
Blaze erupted rapidly, overwhelming buildings
The fire was first reported at 14:51 on Wednesday, 26 November, and rapidly escalated into a massive blaze.
It engulfed seven of the estate’s eight residential towers, sending dark smoke billowing across the Tai Po skyline.
Initial footage shared on social media showed the bamboo scaffolding and green mesh sheeting outside several flats bursting into flames within minutes. Sections of burning mesh and debris rained to the ground as fire tore through the buildings.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control on Thursday, but rescue operations remain ongoing. Fifty-six people remain in hospital as of Friday afternoon.
Criminal and corruption investigations expand
Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has confirmed the arrest of two directors from Will Power Architects Company, the consultant firm overseeing the HK$330 million renovation project at Wang Fuk Court.
These arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with the fire to five.
On Thursday, police arrested three senior staff members from Prestige Construction & Engineering Co Limited, the contractor responsible for renovation works. The group includes two directors and a consultant, all of whom face manslaughter charges.
Authorities allege that the contractor used non-compliant materials, including highly flammable styrofoam and inadequate netting, which contributed to the scale and speed of the disaster.
Widespread safety violations uncovered
According to a preliminary investigation, styrofoam had been used to seal lift windows on every floor of the estate’s towers. This material, combined with green mesh sheeting on the external scaffolding, failed basic fire safety standards.
Officials say these combustible materials caused the fire to spread quickly through corridors and into residential units.
Secretary for Administration Eric Chan previously described the fire as spreading “exceptionally fast” due to intense heat, thick smoke, and debris from collapsing scaffolding, which also blocked emergency access routes.
Government response and broader review
In response, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has ordered immediate inspections of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations to assess safety compliance.
He also announced that Hong Kong will begin phasing out bamboo scaffolding in favour of fire-resistant metal alternatives, particularly in public housing renovation projects.
Lee described the incident as Hong Kong’s worst fire disaster in seven decades and pledged full accountability through ongoing criminal and corruption investigations.
The government has established a HK$300 million (US$38.6 million) relief fund for affected residents. Each household is to receive HK$10,000 in emergency assistance, with further support being coordinated through charitable and civic groups.
More than HK$700 million (US$90 million) in donations has been pledged by the private sector, including HK$170 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Community mourning and uncertainty
Memorial services are being planned, and mourning zones will be set up to allow the public to leave messages of condolence.
Flags at government buildings will be flown at half-mast, though a specific date has not been announced.
Authorities have not clarified how many of the missing person reports may involve duplicates or previously located individuals.
As identification work continues, the total death toll is expected to rise.
Forensic and rescue teams are working to identify victims, many of whom suffered fatal burns that render immediate identification impossible.
The Wang Fuk Court estate, built in the 1980s, housed nearly 4,800 residents across eight towers.
The ongoing crisis has brought intense scrutiny to construction oversight and renovation standards across Hong Kong’s public housing system.
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