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A large-scale fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district Wednesday afternoon, resulting in at least four confirmed fatalities, including one firefighter [[1]].The blaze, which erupted during ongoing facade renovations, quickly engulfed scaffolding and spread to multiple towers within the eight-block complex, home to nearly 2,000 residents [[2]]. Emergency services are currently on scene battling the fire and searching for remaining residents, with reports of individuals trapped and widespread smoke inhalation concerns [[3]].
A massive fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a large residential complex in the Tai Po district of northern Hong Kong, on Wednesday afternoon (early Wednesday morning in BrasÃlia). At least four people have died, including one firefighter, as emergency services struggle to contain the blaze. The incident highlights the challenges of fire safety in densely populated urban areas and the potential for rapid escalation in buildings undergoing renovation.
The fire began in one of the complex’s eight towers, which house nearly 2,000 residential units, and quickly spread to scaffolding surrounding the building. Residents had previously complained about the scaffolding, citing concerns about workers smoking in the area during ongoing facade renovations.
The blaze extended to at least three towers – Wang Tai House, Wang Cheong House, and Wang Yan House – with flames briefly reigniting on the top of Wang Yan House around 6:30 p.m. local time after more than half an hour of the scaffolding burning, according to Chinese media reports.
Thick plumes of gray smoke billowed from the burning complex, severely reducing visibility and posing a risk of toxic smoke inhalation. Emergency lines for the fire department and police were overwhelmed around 4 p.m. local time with calls from residents and concerned family members seeking information. Police reported receiving numerous distress calls, including one from a resident trapped on the roof of Wang Tai House, and from families unable to reach loved ones.
Authorities and former district councilors reported that at least 13 people, including elderly residents, infants, and 14 cats, remained trapped for hours, with some still unaccounted for. Witnesses at the scene said pedestrians as far as 100 meters from the fire could feel the intense heat.
By 6:50 p.m. local time, emergency services had dispatched at least seven ambulances to the scene and established a hotline for information about victims. As a precaution, police also evacuated two blocks of the nearby Kwong Fuk Estate residential complex.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court expressed frustration with the fire’s rapid spread and the perceived slow response from authorities, questioning the lack of resources such as helicopters – commonly used to combat wildfires. Many said they had not received clear guidance from the government.
Evacuated residents were directed to temporary shelters, including the CCC Fung Leung Kit Secondary School, with elderly residents with mobility issues being transported to community centers that would remain open overnight.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the number of casualties is expected to change as firefighters continue to battle the blaze and search the buildings. The situation remains critical, with active fires still burning and the possibility of more people trapped inside.
