Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court Fire Leaves Dozens Dead

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A deadly fire has ripped through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, leaving residents in shock and despair as emergency services continue to battle the blaze. The devastating incident has so far claimed at least 44 lives, with hundreds still reported missing. As authorities investigate the cause of the fire, three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over allegedly flammable materials, including mesh and plastic sheets, that may have accelerated the spread of flames.

Student Thomas Liu, who witnessed the inferno firsthand, described the overwhelming intensity of the fire: “When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy.” He said he saw emergency personnel carrying bodies from the scene and noted the panic among residents trying to locate their loved ones.

Mui Siu-fung, a councillor for the Tai Po district, described the anguish of residents: “Many people sent us WhatsApp messages or called us, saying they still have relatives inside or can’t find them.” The massive fire forced more than a thousand residents to evacuate the estate, some heading to emergency centres while police moved people from nearby buildings to safety.

Despite gradual containment efforts, officials have yet to determine when the fire will be fully extinguished. Flames were seen emerging from individual apartments while residents watched on in stunned silence. One woman waiting for news of her friends living in the building said she was unable to confirm whether they had escaped.

Long-term resident Harry Cheung, 66, described the chaos: “I immediately went back to pack up my things. I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight because I probably won’t be able to go back home.”

Another local resident, Ms Kam, in her sixties, expressed concern for her friends living in the complex. She explained that one friend, who takes daily afternoon naps, may have been sleeping when the fire broke out at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT), and her daughters have not yet been able to contact her.

Jason Kong, 65, told Reuters that a neighbour contacted him while trapped inside one of the burning tower blocks. “I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore. Look, all the apartments are just burning. I do not know what to do. I hope the government can help us to settle down after this.”

An elderly woman living in one of the affected blocks said she was away when the fire broke out but worried about her uninsured apartment. She highlighted the anxiety of residents facing not only personal loss but also financial uncertainty.

Preliminary reports suggest that bamboo scaffolding and other flammable materials on the buildings, which were undergoing renovations, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The blaze has sparked anger among residents, many of whom criticised the authorities for not responding quickly enough.

Ms Poon, a Wang Fuk Court resident in her sixties, questioned the lack of emergency measures such as helicopter water drops, typically deployed during wildfires: “The community is so close to the fire station and we thought the fire could be put out soon, but now the fire has spread. I’m so disappointed. I’ve been given no instructions from the government on where to seek help.”

Despite the chaos, members of the community have stepped in to support victims. Volunteers brought supplies including blankets and heat packs to help those displaced by the fire. Authorities have acknowledged these efforts, with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee confirming that government departments were assisting affected residents.

Many residents remain critical of the government response. One individual said, “The government is incompetent,” while others expressed that they felt “immensely heartbroken.” The incident has left the community reeling and desperate for answers, highlighting concerns about fire safety and regulations in densely populated housing estates.

The fire has also drawn attention to construction standards and the use of flammable materials during renovations. Authorities have already arrested three executives from construction companies associated with the building for manslaughter suspicion. Investigators are looking into whether negligence or unsafe practices contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

The human toll of the fire continues to mount. Residents describe scenes of chaos, fear, and tragedy, as families attempt to account for missing relatives and recover possessions from the charred remains of their homes. Social media posts from residents and eyewitnesses have circulated widely, documenting the scale of the disaster and amplifying calls for accountability and improved safety measures.

The scale of the fire and the number of casualties have led to widespread mourning and concern in Hong Kong. Relief efforts are ongoing, with local authorities, NGOs, and volunteers working together to provide temporary housing, food, and medical support for the displaced residents.

Authorities have urged anyone with missing family members or information about the fire to contact emergency services immediately. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause are ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests if negligence or regulatory violations are confirmed.

As the community begins to process the impact of this tragedy, residents like Thomas Liu, Harry Cheung, and others remain in shock, reflecting on the sudden destruction of homes and lives in the Wang Fuk Court complex. Their stories capture the human side of the disaster, providing a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance, safety, and preparedness in urban residential areas.

The devastating blaze at Wang Fuk Court underscores the risks posed by flammable materials in high-density housing and the importance of effective emergency response. It also highlights the urgent need for government transparency and community engagement in the aftermath of disasters.

In the coming days, the focus will likely be on recovery, accounting for missing residents, and holding responsible parties to account. Meanwhile, the city mourns a tragedy that has shaken its core, as survivors, volunteers, and authorities work tirelessly to contain the damage and support those affected.