A fire that began on November 26, 2025 — the historical event date — at a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong killed at least 94 people and injured more than 70, making it one of the city’s deadliest fires in decades. Firefighters continued searching the damaged towers the following day as authorities investigated how the flames spread so quickly. [8578]
The blaze broke out during the afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a northern district near Hong Kong’s border with mainland China. Officials said it started on external scaffolding around a 32-story tower before moving along bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, entering buildings and ultimately affecting seven of the estate’s eight towers. Windy conditions may have contributed to its spread. [8578]
Emergency crews faced intense heat, darkness and falling scaffolding and debris. Obstructions also limited access for emergency vehicles. Although the main firefighting operation was nearing completion on November 27, crews were still checking apartments and guarding against renewed flames from embers and unstable debris. Eleven firefighters were among those injured. [8578]
The number of people still unaccounted for remained uncertain. Hong Kong leader John Lee said authorities had lost contact with 279 people early on November 27, but officials did not subsequently clarify how many remained missing, had reached safety or were believed to be inside the buildings. About 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. [8578]
Police arrested three men — two construction company directors and an engineering consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigators said they suspected gross negligence by people responsible for the renovation work. Police did not directly identify the men’s employer, but officers searched the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which AP confirmed was responsible for renovations at the complex. Calls to the company went unanswered. An arrest on suspicion does not establish criminal guilt. [8578]
Authorities were examining whether materials installed outside the buildings met fire-resistance requirements. Police also reported finding highly flammable plastic foam panels beside windows near elevator lobbies in the one tower untouched by the fire. Officials said the panels were believed to have been installed by the construction company, although their purpose had not been established. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency separately opened an inquiry into possible corruption connected with the renovation project. [8578]
Wang Fuk Court comprises eight buildings containing nearly 2,000 apartments and housing about 4,800 residents, including many older people. The estate was built in the 1980s and was undergoing a major renovation when the fire occurred. [8578]
The disaster prompted the government to order immediate inspections of housing estates undergoing major renovation. Officials also said they would consult the construction industry about replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal systems in suitable working environments, citing concerns about bamboo’s lower resistance to fire. [8578]
A separate account reported that the government planned a HK$300 million relief fund for affected residents. Companies and charitable organizations also announced donations as displaced families sought accommodation and awaited information about relatives. [8576]
