Hong Kong Fire: At Least 36 Dead As Massive Blaze Tears Through Wang Fuk Court

The Wang Fuk Court consists of eight high-rise buildings, each with 31 storeys, where a large population of elderly people resides in the area. Tai Po district councillor Mui Siu-fung told a leading media outlet that so far, seven buildings have been affected by the fire.

Hong Kong Fire: A massive fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex located in Tai Po district in Hong Kong on Wednesday evening. According to Hong Kong's chief executive, at least 36 people have lost their lives after a fire spread across multiple high-rise buildings in the same area.

Seven Of Eight Buildings Affected By Fire

The Wang Fuk Court consists of eight high-rise buildings, each with 31 storeys, where a large population of elderly people resides in the area. Tai Po district councillor Mui Siu-fung told a leading media outlet that so far, seven buildings have been affected by the fire.

Hours after it was first reported at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (12:21 pm IST), the fire is still burning. Officials said that 279 people are 'uncontactable', while thousands of residents are in evacuation shelters. About 29 people remain hospitalized and 7 more are in critical condition.

One of the most shocking things to ever witness at Tai Po, HK. Burning buildings at Wang Cheong House, Wang Fuk Court. #taipo#hk#hongkong#fire#disaster#wangfukcourtpic.twitter.com/GI5N8SjeHs Paul Marriott (@pcmarriott) November 26, 2025

760 Firefighters Deployed To The Scene

Several pictures and videos of burning buildings with thick smoke billowing into the air have gone viral on the internet. As the blaze continues to spread, 760 firefighters have been deployed to the scene, according to reports.

Breaking: At least 12 dead as Hong Kong's Tai Po blaze raised to maximum threat level #hongkong#taipopic.twitter.com/7uhxZYZ57K Brian Wong (@kaiyan188) November 26, 2025

What Cause The Fire In Wang Fuk Court?

The exact cause of what led a fire to break out in Wang Fuk Court is still unknown, but firefighters have warned of a peculiarity. According to the director of fire services, Andy Yeung, his crew had spotted polystyrene boards blocking windows of multiple apartments.

Yeung said, "These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable and the fire spread very rapidly. Their presence was unusual so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries."

The Hong Kong Fire Department has classified the fire as a level five alarm, which means the highest in severity. It has been over a decade since a level five fire last hit Hong Kong.