A deadly Hong Kong tower fire in Tai Po left 13 dead, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced as firefighters fought a Level 5 blaze across several towers.
Hong Kong Tower Fire Kills 13, Hundreds Evacuated
Deadly Blaze Sweeps Through Housing Estate
At least 13 people were killed on Wednesday after a massive fire tore through several highrise blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The incident unfolded at the Wang Fuk public housing complex, where flames spread rapidly across multiple towers and left residents trapped inside their units as firefighters mounted an extensive rescue effort.
How the Fire Started and Spread
Officials said the blaze began mid-afternoon on exterior scaffolding attached to one of the buildings and then moved into residential floors. Strong winds carried the fire to neighbouring blocks, forcing the Fire Services Department to upgrade the alarm level to Level 5—the highest severity classification. The cause of the initial ignition remains under investigation.
Rescue Operations Under Extreme Conditions
Emergency crews reported dangerously high temperatures inside the buildings, along with falling scaffolding and debris that made entry hazardous. Firefighters deployed 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances as the blaze continued late into the evening. Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Armstrong Chan said conditions were so intense that advancing inside the towers was “extremely difficult.”
Casualties and Injuries Confirmed
Nine victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others died after being transported to hospital. At least 15 additional residents suffered injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation. Authorities also confirmed the death of a firefighter, while another was hospitalized with heat-related exhaustion.
Hundreds Forced to Flee Their Homes
Around 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters as the fire spread across the estate. Police said they received numerous calls from people who were unable to escape their units, many of whom were elderly. Videos circulating locally showed at least five towers engulfed simultaneously, with flames tearing through apartments as firefighters directed water streams from ladder trucks.
Impact on a Long-Standing Community
The Wang Fuk complex, built in 1983, comprises eight blocks with nearly 2,000 units housing approximately 4,800 people. Some residents described watching their homes burn with no ability to retrieve belongings. One man, identifying himself only as Wu, told local media the scene was “devastating to watch.”
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities have not determined the exact cause but noted that bamboo scaffolding—commonly used across Hong Kong construction sites—played a role in the fire’s rapid spread. The government previously announced plans to reduce reliance on bamboo scaffolding for public projects due to safety risks. Investigators are now examining how the fire jumped across multiple structures so quickly.
