Fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District Kills at Least 36, Hundreds Missing
TAI PO, Hong Kong — November 28, 2025 — A devastating fire swept through several high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 36 people, including a firefighter, and leaving hundreds unaccounted for, officials said.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee reported that 279 people remain missing following the blaze, which broke out around 2:50 p.m. at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in the northern New Territories. Authorities confirmed that 29 individuals were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department escalated the response to a No. 5 alarm—the highest level in the city—by 6:22 p.m. Firefighters battled flames that engulfed bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings, sending thick smoke billowing from several floors.
Tang Ping-keung, Hong Kong’s secretary for security, announced the death of a firefighter, Mr. Ho, who sustained fatal injuries while combating the fire. “I am profoundly grieved at the passing of Mr. Ho, who lost his life in the course of an operation. I offer my deepest condolences to his family members,” Tang said.
Photos from the scene showed extensive fire damage and emergency personnel working to control the blaze. Residents described the situation as chaotic, with some reporting that fire alarms failed to sound despite the buildings being equipped with them. An 83-year-old retiree, Chan Kwong-tak, told local media that the lack of alarm likely contributed to the high number of casualties, noting, “If someone was sleeping then, they were done.”
Former Tai Po district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho said residents only became aware of the fire when a security guard knocked on their doors, leaving little time to evacuate.
In response to the emergency, the Tai Po District Office established temporary shelters at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Community Hall to assist displaced residents.
Authorities have formed a dedicated investigation team to determine the cause of the fire, according to Chief Executive Lee. The Fire Services Department confirmed that nine patients were admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in residential buildings, particularly regarding the functionality of alarm systems during emergencies. Officials continue to assess the situation as rescue and recovery efforts proceed.
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