A catastrophic fire ripped through the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on Wednesday, leaving at least 13 people dead and dozens injured in one of the city’s deadliest blazes in recent years. The inferno, which was upgraded to a Level 5 alarm – the city’s highest severity rating—engulfed seven of the estate’s eight high-rise towers, trapping residents and turning the skyline into a scene of devastation.
The Outbreak and Rapid Spread
The fire broke out at approximately 2:51 PM at Wang Cheong House, reportedly starting on the bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that surrounded the building for exterior renovations. Fanned by strong winds and the “chimney effect” created by the scaffolding, the flames spread with terrifying speed.
Within hours, the fire had jumped to neighboring blocks, including Wang Tai House and Wang Shing House, eventually affecting seven high-rise buildings in the complex. Witnesses described the scene as “a chain of boats on fire,” with thick black smoke billowing into the sky and debris raining down on the streets below.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Authorities have confirmed 13 fatalities, comprising nine people found dead at the scene and four who succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. Among the deceased is a 37-year-old firefighter named Ho, who was found unconscious at Wang Cheong House while battling the blaze.
- Injured: At least 28 people were injured, with several in critical condition.
- Trapped: Panic ensued as residents, many of them elderly, were trapped in their flats. Rescue teams received numerous reports of people stranded on rooftops and in smoke-filled apartments.
- Displaced: Over 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters opened at community centers, including the Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre and nearby schools.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department deployed a massive response team, including 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, and 57 ambulances. Despite their efforts, the intense heat and falling debris made rescue operations extremely hazardous.
Official Reactions and Investigation
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to the victims and demanded an all-out effort to minimize casualties. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also expressed deep sorrow, activating an emergency monitoring center to oversee the crisis.
Preliminary reports point to the bamboo scaffolding as the primary fuel for the rapid spread of the fire. The estate had been undergoing a HK$330 million renovation, a project that had previously drawn complaints from residents regarding safety and workers smoking on the scaffolding.
Authorities have suspended classes at six local schools and halted election campaigning for the upcoming Legislative Council election as the district grapples with the tragedy. The investigation into the precise cause of the fire is ongoing.
