At least 160 people have been confirmed dead due to a tragic fire that spread among tower blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on November 26, 2025, according to an updated tally on December 9.
The blaze started in a tower block at Wang Fuk Court residential complex at 2:51 pm. The complex was undergoing renovation and surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and safety netting. The blaze, whipped up by strong winds, spread quickly to seven of the eight 31-story residential towers. It is thought to have started in the scaffolding netting in the lower floors of a building.
Many residents of Wang Fuk Court, a government-assisted residential project housing seniors and families, were trapped inside and unable to evacuate. Built in 1983, Wang Fuk Court had 1,980 households.
Authorities dispatched 2,311 firefighters and first-aid staff with 391 fire trucks and 185 ambulances. While the fire was essentially under control by the next morning, high temperatures inside the towers hampered rescue efforts. Among the casualties was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, and another 12 firefighters were injured.
The investigation’s focus is the Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, responsible for the renovation works. Preliminary investigations found the fire spread rapidly due to substandard and non-flame-retardant netting and flammable foam panels covering windows. Police in Hong Kong have arrested 15 suspects connected with the building works, and authorities swiftly announced compensation packages for victims.
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