Hong Kong, Nov 26 — A devastating fire tore through several high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and leaving many others trapped or injured, according to local authorities.
Thick black smoke and fierce flames poured from the 32-storey towers throughout the night as firefighters struggled to control the blaze. The buildings, part of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, were surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and green safety netting — structures that Hong Kong began phasing out earlier this year due to safety concerns. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
Firefighters Face Extreme Heat and Challenging Conditions
Fire department officials said the intense heat made it extremely difficult to reach the upper floors, especially after nightfall. The fire quickly escalated and was upgraded to Alarm Level 5, the highest category used by the city, by 6:22 p.m.
The complex contains eight residential blocks with nearly 2,000 apartments, but authorities said they still do not know how many residents may be trapped inside.
Tragically, a firefighter was among the dead, and more than 16 people have been reported injured.
Residents Terrified as Flames Spread Across Seven Blocks
Dozens of shocked and crying residents watched from nearby streets as smoke covered the sky.
A 71-year-old man, identified only as Mr. Wong, broke down as he told reporters that his wife was still trapped inside one of the buildings.
The fire intensified due to strong winds, spreading across seven of the eight blocks in the complex.
Longtime resident Harry Cheung, 66, who has lived in Block Two for over 40 years, said he heard a loud explosive sound around 2:45 p.m. before seeing flames erupt from a neighboring building.
“I grabbed what I could and ran,” he said. “I don’t even know how to feel right now. I just keep thinking where I will sleep tonight, because I’m not sure I can go home.”
Bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building was seen collapsing as firefighters battled from the ground below, where dozens of emergency vehicles lined the street.
Government Responds With Emergency Measures
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee called an emergency meeting Wednesday evening as multiple government departments were deployed to support rescue and relief operations.
A government spokesperson said officials were “providing full assistance to affected residents, prioritizing public safety and well-being.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping also urged authorities to make “every possible effort” to suppress the fire and minimize casualties, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Major Transport Disruptions and School Closures
The blaze forced the complete closure of a major highway, Tai Po Road, causing widespread traffic disruption and the rerouting of multiple bus lines, the Transport Department said.
Due to the fire and resulting congestion, the Education Bureau announced that at least six schools will remain closed on Thursday.
Worst Fire in Hong Kong in Nearly Three Decades
This incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since November 1996, when a blaze in a Kowloon commercial building killed 41 people. That tragedy prompted a major overhaul of building safety and fire regulations across the city.
As rescue operations continue and authorities investigate the cause, Hong Kong faces one of its darkest public safety disasters in recent years.
