A massive fire that broke out and spread across multiple high-rise buildings in the Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong (China) has left at least 13 people dead and dozens injured.
Hong Kong authorities reported that a fire broke out on the afternoon of November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district, which comprises eight buildings and nearly 2,000 apartments. The blaze originated in bamboo scaffolding outside one building and rapidly spread to adjacent blocks, generating thick black smoke and posing significant challenges for firefighting operations.
Fire services reported a total of 28 casualties; nine victims died at the scene, and four others passed away in the hospital. One firefighter was among the deceased. More than 10 people were injured, and approximately 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters.
Firefighting forces deployed over 120 fire engines and 57 ambulances. However, fire officials noted that extreme heat within the buildings hindered access to the upper floors. Strong winds caused falling scaffolding and construction materials to scatter, further fueling the spread of the fire.
Police received numerous calls for help from trapped individuals, yet by evening, there was still no precise count of how many people remained inside the buildings. Witnesses reported that many of those trapped were elderly. Anxious onlookers gathered on a nearby overpass as smoke and flames engulfed the complex.
Officials stated that the Wang Fuk Court complex was undergoing renovations and utilized bamboo scaffolding—a material common in the local construction industry but currently being phased out by the government for safety reasons.
Chief Executive John Lee stated that authorities are providing full support to the affected residents. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his condolences and called for efforts to extinguish the fire and prevent further casualties.
This marks the most serious fire in Hong Kong in recent years. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
