BREAKING: A devastating fire has erupted at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and numerous injuries. The fire broke out around 2:51 PM local time, engulfing multiple high-rise towers and leaving an unknown number of residents trapped inside.
Firefighters have been battling the blaze for hours, with thick black smoke billowing from the 31-storey towers and flames illuminating the night sky. Witnesses report that up to seven of the complex’s eight blocks are affected. The Fire Services Department has not yet released an estimate of how many individuals may still be inside the buildings.
Residents have expressed their horror at the unfolding tragedy. A 71-year-old man, surnamed Wong, broke down as he recounted how his wife is trapped in one of the buildings. “I don’t even know how I feel right now,” he said. “I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight.” Another resident, Harry Cheung, 66, described hearing a loud noise just before the fire erupted. “I immediately went back to pack up my things,” he recounted.
The fire department upgraded the situation to a No 5 alarm, the city’s highest, by 6:22 PM as strong winds fanned the flames. Witnesses report seeing scaffolding collapse as firefighters worked tirelessly to control the situation. Emergency services, including numerous fire engines and ambulances, have flooded the area.
Wang Fuk Court is home to approximately 2,000 apartments and has been occupied since 1983. Part of the government’s subsidized home ownership scheme, it represents a critical housing option in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. The Tai Po district, located near the border with mainland China, has a population of around 300,000.
Social media has been flooded with images of the chaos, showing residents gathering on nearby walkways, watching in despair as the fire raged. Many buildings in the area were reported to be undergoing renovations at the time, utilizing bamboo scaffolding—a common sight in Hong Kong construction.
This tragic incident underscores the challenges of living in one of the world’s most expensive housing markets, where owning a home is a distant dream for many. The government has faced criticism for its ongoing reliance on bamboo scaffolding, which it plans to phase out for safety reasons.
The situation is still developing, and authorities are urging the public to stay away from the area as rescue operations continue. Families are anxiously awaiting news of loved ones who may still be inside the high-rises. As the city rallies together in the face of this disaster, updates will follow as they become available.
