A catastrophic fire has swept through Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing at least 13 people and injuring many more in one of the city’s deadliest residential fires in recent years.
The blaze ignited during the afternoon and spread with shocking speed across several high-rise towers that were covered in bamboo scaffolding for renovation.
Firefighters raised the alarm to the highest emergency level as flames engulfed the estate, sending thick columns of smoke billowing across the district. More than a hundred fire appliances and numerous ambulance crews were deployed as emergency teams battled both the fire and hazardous falling debris from collapsing scaffolding.
Among the dead is a 37-year-old firefighter who became trapped while attempting to reach residents still inside the burning structure. Authorities reported that nine victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others died later in hospital. Many of the injured are being treated for smoke inhalation and burns, and the final toll may rise as rescue crews continue their search.
Firefighters used ladders and breathing apparatus to reach those still trapped, some of whom were unable to escape due to blocked corridors and falling scaffolding.
Wang Fuk Court, built in the early 1980s, consists of multiple residential blocks housing thousands of occupants. The renovation work underway at the time is believed to have played a major role in accelerating the spread of the fire, particularly the bamboo scaffolding that surrounded several towers. Investigators are now focusing on how the blaze started and whether any safety lapses occurred during the construction process.
Hundreds of residents have been displaced, with emergency shelters set up nearby to house evacuees overnight. Local services have also closed major roads and diverted transport routes as crews continue to secure the area.
City officials have expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and have vowed a full investigation. The incident has already raised public debate over fire-safety standards in high-density housing, the use of bamboo scaffolding, and the resilience of older residential blocks during large-scale emergencies.
