At least 13 dead, 28 injured in major fire in HK

Thick smoke and flames rise as a major fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 26, 2025. Photo: VCG

 Regarding the fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and resulted in at least 13 fatalities and 28 injuries, the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said on Wednesday that "I am deeply saddened and extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured," adding that multiple departments are fully committed to firefighting, rescue operations, and medical treatment, Lee said on his social media post.

As of the press time, the fire had claimed 13 lives and left 28 injured, according to CCTV. Hong Kong local media reported the deceased include a firefighter.

The HKSAR Fire Services Department said that it received a report at 2:51 pm of a fire erupting at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court, and elevated the fire to a fifth-alarm at 6:22 pm, local media TVB News reported on Wednesday.

On-site observations indicate that the scaffolding and perimeter netting had caught fire, with embers drifting to adjacent buildings, which is suspected to have contributed to the spread of the flames, TVB News reported.

The blaze has been raging for several hours, with multiple explosions still audible at the scene, the report said.

In addition to the ignition of bamboo scaffolding and perimeter netting, flames were observed emanating from numerous residential units, the report added.

Lee expressed his profound concern over the incident in a statement, noting that "I have immediately activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, received briefings from the Security Bureau and the Fire Services Department, and directed all departments to fully commit to firefighting, rescue operations, and medical treatment."

All government departments are fully mobilizing to assist residents affected by the fire, prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens, Lee noted.

He also said that the Home Affairs Department, District Offices, and Social Welfare Department have established assistance stations at the scene, arranged for affected individuals to be accommodated in temporary shelters, and provided assistance and emotional support to the families of the deceased and injured.

The Hospital Authority has also activated emergency mechanisms and is sparing no effort in treating the injured, Lee said.

Global Times

Source:https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202511/1349109.shtml