At least 4 killed as major fire engulfs high-rise apartment blocks
By BBC, November 26, 2025At least four people are reported dead as a fire engulfs multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong. The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a 2,000-unit residential complex in the city’s northern Tai Po district, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
The fire began at 2:51 pm local time and quickly spread through bamboo scaffolding on the outside of the buildings.
Smoke and flames poured from the towers, trapping several residents inside and prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The Hong Kong government confirmed that seven people were taken to hospitals, including two in critical condition and one in stable condition. Firefighters tackling the blaze were also reported injured while trying to contain the flames.
The fire department upgraded the emergency to a level 4 incident at 3:34 pm, mobilising additional personnel to rescue residents and suppress the fire.
Authorities closed a section of the Tai Po highway and diverted buses to ensure safety and allow emergency vehicles access.
One of the confirmed deaths is a firefighter, the fire department tells the BBC.
This follows the news that at least four people have been killed in the tower block complex fire.
Details on the cause of the fire remain unclear, and officials are still working to determine whether more residents are trapped or injured.
Evacuations have been carried out in nearby buildings as a precaution, with emergency teams continuing their search and rescue operations.
This incident has shocked the local community, raising concerns over fire safety in high-density residential estates.
The government of Hong Kong says it has opened temporary shelters in response to the fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex.
These shelters are at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building, the update says.
It adds that a help desk has been set up at the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for assistance and public enquiries, alongside a hotline on 2658 4040.
The Tai Po District Office is closely monitoring the situation and will open more shelters if needed, the government adds.
Investigations into the cause and spread of the fire are ongoing, and officials have promised further updates as more information becomes available.