On November 26, a devastating fire broke out in an apartment complex in Hong Kong, tragically claiming 75 lives and leaving over 70 injured. The number of missing individuals is reportedly around 300, making it one of the most severe fire incidents in the city's history.
This catastrophe occurred in the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, igniting during renovation work. The inadequate safety measures allowed the fire to quickly spread, engulfing several buildings.
This complex, constructed in 1983, is the tallest residential area in Tai Po, boasting several skyscrapers and approximately 2,000 flats. According to the 2021 census, it housed 4,643 residents.
Source: aajtak
How Did the Fire Spread So Rapidly?
The fire originated at Wang Cheong House and expanded to blocks 4 through 7. Reports indicate that the building's external walls were under repair, with bamboo scaffolding in place for several months. Although bamboo scaffolding had been banned by the government from March 2025 due to its flammable nature, it was still in use.
The fire began around 2:50 PM on November 26, sparked by green netting on the scaffolding of Wang Cheong House. The windows were lined with flammable styrofoam boards, which, combined with bamboo scaffolding, aided in the rapid vertical spread of the flames, engulfing the 31-story building within four to five minutes. The use of materials like plastic or polystyrene for renovations only intensified the blaze.
Source: aajtak
Investigations revealed that the styrofoam used to cover elevator windows facilitated the swift spread of the fire. As a result, three individuals, including a contractor, have been arrested.
This fire has been categorized as Level-5, the most dangerous classification in Hong Kong. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents. It is suspected that a cigarette may have been the initial cause of the fire.
Notably, the deadliest fire in Hong Kong's history occurred on February 27, 1918, at the Happy Valley Racecourse, claiming over 600 lives. Another significant fire took place on September 22, 1948, in a warehouse, resulting in 176 fatalities.
