Ongoing Fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District: Thirty Six Confirmed Dead, 279 Still Missing – Full Report

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

A major fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has devastated the Wang Fuk public housing complex, resulting in at least thirty-six confirmed fatalities and leaving hundreds of people missing. The inferno, which started on the evening of November 26, 2025, spread rapidly across multiple high-rise buildings, severely affecting the lives of over 4,000 residents.

What Happened?

The fire erupted late on the evening of November 26 in the Wang Fuk public housing complex, a residential area known for its high-rise towers. The complex, home to around 4,000 people, was hit by a fast-spreading blaze exacerbated by bamboo scaffolding and construction mesh, which were present on the buildings. These construction materials allowed the flames to move swiftly, causing widespread destruction. By the morning of November 27, authorities confirmed at least 36 deaths and 29 people hospitalized, including several in critical condition.

The scale of the fire forced local emergency teams into high-gear as rescue operations intensified. Approximately 279 individuals remain unaccounted for, and the situation is still evolving. The fire raged for several hours, with black smoke billowing from the 32-story buildings, visible throughout the night.

Who Is Affected?

The fire has devastated residents of the Wang Fuk public housing complex. More than 4,000 people live in the complex, and many are directly impacted by the blaze. At least 36 people are confirmed dead, and many others have sustained serious injuries. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to assist survivors, with 29 people currently hospitalized, including several in critical condition. The number of missing persons has been estimated at around 279 as of early November 27.

Firefighters, alongside other emergency personnel, have rescued multiple victims, including an infant and an elderly woman, who were found severely burned. The tragedy has triggered a large-scale response, with local authorities, including the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, conducting extensive rescue operations.

When Did the Fire Start?

The fire began on the evening of November 26, 2025, and rapidly spread through the Wang Fuk complex. The exact time of the initial blaze remains unclear, but reports indicate that the fire reached its peak intensity late into the night, with residents trapped in the burning buildings. Emergency services responded immediately, but the extensive damage caused by the rapidly spreading fire has complicated rescue efforts.

Where Did It Happen?

The incident took place in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, specifically in the Wang Fuk public housing complex, a residential area known for its towering high-rises. Tai Po is situated in the northeastern part of Hong Kong, and the fire affected multiple high-rise buildings within this district, causing widespread panic among residents.

Why Did It Happen?

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances leading to the blaze. Early reports indicate that the presence of bamboo scaffolding and construction mesh contributed to the rapid spread of flames. While bamboo scaffolding had been phased out in Hong Kong as of March 2025 for safety reasons, the construction materials on these buildings may have allowed the fire to grow uncontrollably. This aspect of the incident is likely to be scrutinized in future safety reviews.

How Are Authorities Responding?

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee has expressed condolences for the loss of life and confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing. Local emergency services, including the Fire Services Department and the Police Force, have been working around the clock to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors. As of November 27, efforts are still underway to locate those missing, with the hope that more survivors can be found.

Firefighters have been able to save a number of individuals from the complex, including a baby and an elderly woman, though the situation remains dire. Authorities are also focusing on providing medical assistance to the injured and are in the process of assessing the full scale of the disaster.

The Aftermath

The fire has led to significant disruptions in the local community, and Hong Kong’s residents are still grappling with the aftermath of the event. With nearly 300 people still unaccounted for, the final toll of the disaster may not yet be fully known. Emergency teams continue to search for survivors, while the government has assured the public that a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted. Authorities are also looking into the role of scaffolding materials in the fire’s rapid spread, with a review of safety measures likely to follow.

This devastating incident is one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong in recent years, and it has raised questions about building safety and fire prevention protocols in the city’s public housing sector. As investigations continue and rescue operations persist, the full scale of the disaster will become clearer in the coming days.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire and are expected to release more information in the coming days. The role of bamboo scaffolding in the rapid spread of the fire will be a critical part of the investigation, particularly given the phased-out use of such materials in recent months. The Hong Kong government has pledged to thoroughly review building safety regulations and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

The fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left a lasting impact on the local community. With at least 36 confirmed dead and 279 people still missing, the situation remains tragic and fluid. As Hong Kong continues its efforts to assist the victims and uncover the cause of the blaze, this tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of building safety standards and the need for robust fire prevention systems in urban areas.