At least 36 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after a massive fire swept through a public housing estate in Hong Kong. Rescue operations continue as authorities investigate the cause.
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| Bamboo scaffolding burns at residential buildings in Wang Fuk Court, in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday. |
According to Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, a total of 279 people remain uncontactable, raising fears that the final death toll could be much higher. He expressed condolences to affected families and assured that authorities would provide “all necessary assistance.”
Casualties & Evacuations
- 36 confirmed dead
- 279 missing/uncontactable
- 29 hospitalized — including 7 in critical condition
- Over 700 residents evacuated from multiple buildings
Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families, many of whom lost everything in the fire.
The Area: A Vulnerable Community
The blaze broke out in Wang Fuk Court, a public housing complex in Tai Po with eight towers and over 4,000 residents.
Government data shows that around 36% of residents are aged 65 or above, making this incident even more tragic as many elderly residents struggled to escape the flames due to mobility challenges.
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| Following a fire that started on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, residents are taking refuge at a makeshift shelter. |
Fire Investigation Underway
Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, and as of early morning, parts of the building were still smoldering. Officials confirmed that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A City in Grief
Messages of sympathy and support are pouring in as the community comes together to help survivors. Volunteers, charities, and emergency teams are providing food, shelter, and emotional support.
This remains a developing story, and authorities are expected to release further updates as rescue efforts continue and the full scale of the tragedy becomes clearer.
What Fire Officials Are Saying About Rescue Efforts
Fire officials say rescue operations are still ongoing as crews continue battling the remaining flames inside the Wang Fuk Court complex. According to emergency response teams, thick smoke, extreme heat, and blocked stairways have made access to several floors “extremely challenging.”
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| Following a fire that started on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, residents are taking refuge at a makeshift shelter. |
A senior fire department spokesperson said:
“Our priority right now is search and rescue. We are working floor by floor, room by room. The situation remains dangerous, but we are committed to reaching anyone who may still be trapped.”
Officials confirmed that specialized high-rise rescue teams and thermal imaging equipment are being used to locate survivors who may be unconscious or unable to call for help.
Firefighters also reported that several residents were found inside sealed apartments, likely attempting to avoid smoke inhalation — a common survival tactic in large building fires. Rescuers are urging the public not to return to the area, calling the structure “unstable and hazardous.”
Search efforts are expected to continue through the day as crews assess collapsed interior sections and secure pathways for emergency access.