A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left dozens dead and hundreds unaccounted for, marking one of the city’s most serious residential disasters in recent years. Authorities said the blaze began Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread across multiple apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, prompting a large-scale emergency response and an ongoing investigation into the cause.

Fire breaks out at Wang Fuk Court

According to officials, the fire started shortly before 3 p.m. local time on Wednesday. What began as a building-level incident was soon upgraded to a No. 5 alarm—one of the highest classifications in Hong Kong’s emergency system—indicating a fire of exceptional scale requiring significant manpower and resources.

Witnesses reported seeing flames moving quickly across scaffolding and exterior surfaces undergoing renovation. Residents and bystanders watched as dense smoke spread through the area, forcing evacuations and complicating rescue operations.

Casualties continue to rise

By early Thursday morning, authorities confirmed that at least 40 people had died, and the number was expected to increase as emergency crews gained access to more areas of the complex. Over two dozen individuals were injured, many of whom were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent care.

Hong Kong leader John Lee stated during a briefing that 279 people had been reported missing, a figure that highlighted both the size of the residential population and the extent of the disruption caused by the fire. Search teams continued combing affected buildings throughout the night, supported by drones and specialized equipment.

Firefighter loses his life during the operation

Among the confirmed fatalities was Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old firefighter from the Sha Tin Fire Station. According to Fire Services director Andy Yeung, Ho was found unresponsive at the scene after participating in rescue efforts. He was taken to a hospital, where he later passed away.

Authorities expressed deep sorrow at the loss, noting that his death underscored the severity of the incident. His colleagues and city leaders paid tribute to his service, describing him as a dedicated professional who died while attempting to save others.

Arrests made as investigation begins

Police announced that three men linked to the construction company responsible for renovation work at Wang Fuk Court had been arrested. Investigators are examining whether materials used during the project contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Preliminary findings suggested the presence of Styrofoam and non-standard mesh in the building’s windows and outer walls. Officials said these materials may have accelerated the blaze once it began. The same materials were discovered in the one building within the complex that did not catch fire, prompting questions about construction compliance and safety oversight.

Authorities stressed that the investigation was ongoing and that additional evidence would be reviewed before determining full accountability.

A massive emergency response effort

The fire prompted one of the largest mobilizations of emergency resources in Hong Kong in recent years. Officials said more than:

• 140 fire engines

• 800 firefighters and paramedics

• Aerial drones and specialized support teams

were deployed to battle the flames and conduct search and rescue operations.

By Thursday morning, responders had brought the fire under control in four buildings, though active flames were still being fought in three others. In total, seven of the eight high-rise buildings in the Wang Fuk Court complex were affected, reflecting the scale and complexity of the emergency.

Rescue teams continued working through debris, smoke, and restricted visibility, aiming to locate survivors and stabilize structural risks before further deterioration could occur.

Government expresses condolences and orders full support

Hong Kong leader John Lee issued public statements expressing condolences to the families of those who died and support for those injured. He also emphasized that authorities were coordinating across departments to ensure the situation was handled with urgency.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung told the public that fire crews were “doing their utmost” to contain the blaze and rescue residents. He noted that the multi-building structure and presence of renovation materials created unusually challenging conditions for firefighters.

From Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping also released a statement offering sympathies to those affected. He instructed national authorities to provide full assistance for:

• search and rescue operations,

• medical treatment,

• post-disaster support,

• coordination between local and central departments.

He called for “every possible effort” to reduce additional casualties and support families impacted by the tragedy.

Residents describe chaos and uncertainty

Residents and relatives described scenes of confusion as smoke filled corridors and emergency alarms sounded. Many were forced to seek temporary shelter at community centers or nearby facilities. One man, identified as Mr. Wong, spoke emotionally about not being able to reach his wife, who was inside one of the buildings at the time the fire spread.

Families searching for loved ones continued to wait for updates as emergency teams moved floor by floor through affected towers. Officials urged the public to remain patient as confirmation of individual cases would take time due to the scale of the event and the need for safety checks before entering certain areas.

Buildings under renovation linked to rapid spread

The role of scaffolding and renovation materials quickly became central to the investigation. Early observations indicated that bamboo scaffolding and Styrofoam insulation may have allowed flames to travel along exterior surfaces faster than usual. Fire officials described how the interconnected nature of the renovation materials across multiple blocks posed unique challenges and may have prevented containment during the initial stages.

Authorities stressed that definitive conclusions would only be made after detailed analysis, but they acknowledged that safety standards for renovation materials would be scrutinized closely moving forward.

A community preparing for recovery

As firefighters continued working, attention began shifting toward the residents who had lost homes, belongings, and in some cases family members. Temporary accommodations were arranged, and local organizations began mobilizing support for those displaced.

Government officials are also evaluating the structural integrity of the affected towers to determine whether residents will be allowed to return or whether long-term relocation will be necessary. Social workers and volunteer groups have been deployed to assist with emergency needs.

Looking ahead

The Wang Fuk Court fire stands as a stark reminder of the importance of building safety, transparent inspection processes, and rapid emergency coordination in densely populated urban environments. As Hong Kong authorities proceed with their investigation, families and residents continue to navigate uncertainty and grief.

City leaders have pledged to keep the public updated on the ongoing work of identifying missing individuals and supporting survivors. While the full picture of what caused the fire may take time to emerge, officials have made clear that accountability, safety reform, and community support will be central priorities in the aftermath.

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Sources

• ABC News – Coverage of the Wang Fuk Court fire and official statements

• Reuters – Reporting on casualties, emergency response, and investigation details

• Associated Press – Updates on rescue efforts and government reactions

• South China Morning Post – Background on renovation materials and safety concerns