Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 17 years engulfs Tai Po housing estate

HONG KONG: A devastating fire erupted yesterday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where all eight blocks were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and mesh for exterior repair works.

The blaze reportedly began on the outer structure of Wang Cheung House, where renovation materials and coverings quickly ignited. As strong winds blew through the estate, burning debris drifted to neighbouring buildings, setting entire facades alight.

Within a short span, seven towers were overwhelmed by flames, leaving only Wang Chi House largely unaffected.

Rapid Escalation and Structural Collapse

The fire was first reported at 2:51pm and escalated at alarming speed. Firefighters arriving on scene found scaffolding engulfed, sections collapsing, and debris falling from height.

Explosions from inside units were heard as flats burned one after another, with flames racing vertically and horizontally along the building exteriors. By early evening, the blaze had intensified into a rare five-alarm fire, the highest severity level in Hong Kong.

Firefighters Unable to Penetrate Extreme Heat

Deputy Director (Operations) Chan King-yung explained that crews received numerous calls from residents trapped inside their units. The extreme temperatures and the intensity of the flames made entry impossible in several locations.

Firefighters maintained phone contact with those trapped and instructed them to seal doors and windows with wet cloths and tape while providing their unit details. A 37-year-old firefighter lost his life during an attempted interior rescue.

Families Torn Apart as Residents Search Through the Night

Many residents evacuated in chaos while others became separated from loved ones.

Through the night, families stood on an open platform at nearby Kwong Fuk Estate, watching their burning homes under cold winds while waiting anxiously for news.

Police later established a missing persons hotline for those concerned about unaccounted-for relatives.

Hong Kong authorities confirmed that as of 6am on Thursday, the death toll has risen to 44, including 40 people who died at the scene.

A total of 62 injured individuals were sent to hospital, of whom 4 later died, 15 remain in critical condition, 23 are classified as serious, 16 are stable, and 4 have been discharged.

In addition, 279 people are still unaccounted for as search operations continue.

Emergency Response Continues as Investigation Pending

Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983 with nearly 2,000 units across eight towers, saw a large-scale mobilisation of fire crews.

Authorities deployed aerial ladder trucks to spray from the exterior and placed senior fire officers in charge of each affected building.

Investigations into the cause of the fire, the state of fire alarms, and the condition of internal fire systems will begin only after the blaze is fully extinguished.