On the afternoon of November 26, 2025, a massive fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential apartment complex in Tai Po. The fire started on external bamboo scaffolding that was being used during ongoing renovation work. The flames spread rapidly — engulfing seven of the eight tower blocks before moving inside and spreading to other buildings. 

The moment was declared a “level-5” alarm by the fire department, the highest severity level, as the blaze got out of control even within hours.

Authorities confirm at least 44 people have died in the fire. In addition, 279 people remain unaccounted for — feared missing — while dozens more are hospitalised, many in serious condition. 

Among the dead is at least one firefighter, showing how dangerous the rescue operation became. 

Over 900 residents have been displaced and moved to temporary shelters, as entire families lost their homes or were forced to flee

Among scores hospitalised, 45 were in serious condition; four of the 7 blocks under control, with search for survivors starting on lower floors

Forty-four people have been killed and 279 others are missing after a ferocious blaze ravaged a housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po neighbourhood, with scorching flames ripping through bamboo scaffolding on seven residential blocks.

Among the scores hospitalised, 45 are in a serious condition, according to the Fire Services Department.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu spoke to the public in a press conference at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin early on Thursday, after visiting a community hall the evening before.

Earlier, President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences in a late-evening statement and called for “all-out efforts” to minimise casualties and losses, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The fire was first reported at 2.51pm on Wednesday and soon grew into an inferno, with huge plumes of dark smoke billowing high into the sky at the scene at Wang Fuk Court, and the flames quickly spreading to seven out of eight blocks in the estate.

Police said they received multiple reports of people trapped in the building where the blaze started, with a man and a woman reportedly unconscious and suffering from burns.

The blaze was initially classified as a No 1 alarm fire but was quickly raised to No 4 by 3.34pm and then to the top-level No 5 at 6.22pm. In Hong Kong, fires are rated on a scale of one to five, with higher numbers indicating greater severity.

Footage from the scene shows bamboo scaffolding outside several flats of the building engulfed in flames, with burning sections of green scaffolding mesh falling to the ground.

Such scaffoldings are commonly used for construction and renovation work. A host of possible causes of the fire is being considered as authorities have vowed to mount a full-scale investigation, including a criminal probe.

Follow the latest live updates here and read about earlier events below.

As dawn breaks, smoke continues to billow from all levels of the affected buildings, with the smell of burnt plastic thick in the air and cinders falling every so often.

At least four high aerial ladders are still fighting the fires at the scene. The blaze has raged for more than 15 hours since authorities were alerted at about 3pm on Wednesday.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and his delegation, including members of the Trade Development Council, hold a moment of silence at a symposium in Milan, Italy on Thursday. He says on social media that he is shocked and saddened by the many deaths, and sends condolences to the families impacted by the major fire.

Chan says he will shorten his visit and return to the city after delivering a speech at the symposium, to join the government’s rescue and follow-up efforts.

The blazes in four of the seven blocks are now under control, while firefighting operations continue in the remaining three. Search efforts have started on the lower levels and are moving up through the 13th to 23rd floors among some of the buildings.

Firefighters are expected to reach the top floors by dusk, with 26 rescue teams at work.

Police say that in the building not affected by the blaze, every floor had protective nets, waterproof tarpaulin and plastic cloths. These materials may have failed to meet fire safety standards.

On each floor, styrofoam materials were used to seal windows, which could cause the rapid spread of fire.

Police say that at around 2am in Ngau Tau Kok, Tai Po and San Po Kong, officers arrested two directors and an engineering consultant, aged between 52 and 68, of a construction company.

Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung Lai-yee of the police force’s New Territories North regional headquarters says officers discovered that the foam materials were installed by a construction engineering company.

“Police have reason to believe that the company’s responsible persons were grossly negligent, which led to the incident and caused the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in serious casualties,” she says.

According to Fire Services Department figures, 44 people were confirmed dead out of the 100 residents injured at the scene. Among those hospitalised, 45 are in a serious condition. The injured were sent to hospitals in various districts.

A volunteer at the site estimates that about 20 bodies had been removed from the scene by 5am.

The government says that renovations at Wang Fuk Court were being carried out by Prestige Construction & Engineering Co Limited.

It says the Buildings Department has always enforced strict flame-retardant requirements for materials used in scaffolding to prevent fires spreading.

Scaffolding was erected at each of the eight 31-storey blocks in Wang Fuk Court.

The government also says that 36 people were injured as of midnight.

Police have arrested three men for alleged manslaughter in connection with the fire, with officers to hold a press briefing later. One expected at 4.30am has been delayed.

Chief Executive Lee says the government has already halted all its publicity efforts regarding the coming Legco election on December 7 as the whole administration is prioritising the disaster and work on its aftermath.

But he fails to offer a clear answer on whether the election will be postponed, merely saying the government will decide on other matters “a few days later” after a comprehensive review of the situation.

“An election is an important matter, but what is more important now is to handle the blaze and offer support to those affected,” Lee says.

Photo: Jelly Tse

Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin has revealed that officers had discovered styrofoam inside the burning buildings, which, he says, caused the fire to spread more rapidly within the blocks and ignite flats through the corridors.

The fire chief adds that officers were only able to enter the buildings from the ground floor during the rescue, with most floors covered as of the early hours on Thursday.

One major difficulty faced during the operation was the number of floors that were on fire, Yeung adds.

The city leader thanks President Xi Jinping for his concern and appreciates Beijing’s offer of assistance.

Lee says many neighbouring cities have also reached out to offer help.

However, after consulting with the director of fire services, Lee says the department can get the fire under control with a bit more time.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says preliminary investigations found that the rapid spread of the fire was suspicious, with the use of styrofoam to seal windows exacerbating the situation.

“We have found that on the relevant building walls, the netting and waterproof tarpaulin material, once burned, showed spreading of the flames faster than [they should on] regulated materials. This is unusual,” Tang says.

He adds that police and fire service officers will jointly investigate, including a criminal probe, the cause of the fire and abnormalities discovered.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang, left, and Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung. Photo: Edmond So

Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung says 888 firefighters are at the scene battling the blaze, stressing that there is sufficient manpower at present.

He says that given the floor area is not large, the department has already deployed the maximum number of firefighters that the space can safely accommodate.

The firefighters are now working to extinguish the blaze and rescue victims as they gradually move up the building to continue their mission, he says.

“We are making progress and hope we can clear each floor as soon as possible,” he adds.

Photo: Eugene Lee

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen says the care teams from all 18 districts have been deployed to assist families in registration and applying for emergency aid.

She adds that many organisations have reached out to the Home Affairs Bureau offering donations and resources, which authorities will coordinate.

Staff from the Social Welfare Department will provide mental health support to residents, including those distressed after seeing footage online.

Residents take free meals at Kwong Fuk Estate. Photo: Eugene Lee

Lee has revealed that he visited three patients at Prince of Wales Hospital, one of whom suffered burns to 30 per cent of their skin, while the other two had inhaled hot fumes from the fire site.

The city leader says he has been briefed by doctors on their condition and thanked medical staff for their efforts.

He adds that he understands residents may need mental health support, and that the Social Welfare Department will provide assistance.

1:49AM

Investigations by Housing Authority and Buildings Department: Lee

City leader John Lee also says that the Housing Authority and the Buildings Department will conduct an investigation into the incident.

The departments will collect material samples from the building scaffolding to verify compliance with recognised standards.

He adds that the authorities will also proactively inspect scaffolding nets to ensure compliance.

1:48AM

900 take refuge at 8 temporary shelters

City leader Lee says around 900 affected residents had taken refuge at eight temporary shelters authorities as of 9.30pm.

Lee adds that all care teams from Tai Po district, along with those from neighbouring Sha Tin district, had been mobilised to support the affected residents.

The Civil Aid Service and district offices of Tai Po and Sha Tin have also joined efforts to help residents.

Photo: Sam Tsang

1:46AM

9 hospitals under emergency activation

The Hospital Authority has activated emergency mechanisms in nine of its hospitals to make every effort to save and care for the injured, says Chief Executive John Lee.

All hands are on deck at the accident and emergency departments, intensive care units, and burns units of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and North District Hospital.

Medical teams are also on site conducting triage and emergency rescue operations, with Hong Kong’s public hospitals on standby and expecting to receive many burn patients.

One of the injured from the fire is sent to the Prince Wales Hospital. Photo: Edmond So

1:42AM

Latest patient situation

A total of nine hospitals have admitted 37 people, four of whom were later certified dead. Seven patients remain in critical condition, 13 are in a serious condition, and four with minor injuries have been discharged.

Lo says the most serious cases involve patients with respiratory damage caused by inhaling thick, hot smoke, while some have also been hospitalised with burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.

One patient has been transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for high-oxygen treatment, and two more are expected to follow suit, says Lo.

Healthcare staff are also assisting elderly evacuees who left without their personal medication.

Photo: Eugene Lee

1:41AM

4 buildings show signs of fire

Lee says that out of the seven blaze-hit buildings in Wang Fuk Court, three appeared dark from the outside, while the remaining four still showed “disparate signs of fire.”

1:36AM

Fire gradually under control, says John Lee

Calling it a “catastrophe”, city leader John Lee says the inferno at Wang Fuk Court is now “gradually under control” as of 1.20am.

He says the director of fire services has assured him that the department has sufficient manpower and resources to control and extinguish the fire.

Lee says he has ordered the department to mobilise all its resources to combat the fire.

More than 140 fire engines and over 800 firefighters and paramedics have been deployed to put out this fire, with drones also in use.

Lee also thanked President Xi Jinping for his concern, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and the liaison office for their support.

Photo: Karma Lo

1:29AM

Death toll rises to 36

Meeting the press at 1.18am, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu says the death toll from the deadly fire has risen to 36.

Another 279 people are missing, while 29 people have been hospitalised. Among them, seven are in a critical condition.

Chief Executive John Lee, centre, meets the media at Prince of Wales Hospital. Photo: Edmond So

1:26AM

How to seek help

Public inquiries:

Inquiries on casualties: police hotline at 1878 999

Interdepartmental help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital: 2658 4040

Interdepartmental help desk at Prince of Wales Hospital: 3505 1555

Interdepartmental help desk at North District Hospital: 2683 7567

Temporary shelters:

CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School (22 Plover Cove Road, Tai Po)

Tung Cheong Street Community Hall (1/F, Tai Po Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building, 25 Tung Cheong Street, Tai Po)

Tai Po Community Centre (Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po)

Fu Shin Community Hall (12 On Po Road, Tai Po)

“Good House” run by the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention (168 Shuen Wan Chan Uk, Tai Po)

Tai Wo Neighbourhood Community Centre (Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po)

Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre (25 Tung Cheong Street, Tai Po)

Hong Kong PHAB Association – New Territories PHAB Centre (Unit 110-115, G/F, Kwong Ping House, Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po)

Photo: Karma Lo

1:17AM

2 women taken to ambulances after rescue

An elderly woman is taken from one of the affected blocks to an ambulance at 12.45am. She is conscious and wearing an oxygen mask.

Shortly afterward, another conscious woman is also transported to an ambulance.

12:56AM

As of midnight, 33 injured with 7 critically ill

A government spokesman says data from the Hospital Authority shows that 33 people have been injured in the blaze as of midnight.

Among them seven are in a critical condition, 13 serious and eight stable. The condition of one patient is unknown while four have been discharged after treatment.

Photo: Sam Tsang

12:49AM

University to hold Zoom classes

The Education University of Hong Kong, located in Tai Po, announced in an email obtained by the Post that staff will arrange classes via Zoom on Thursday.

This arrangement is a response to “uncertain traffic conditions” caused by Wednesday’s fire at Wang Fuk Court and concerns over whether students and teaching staff could arrive on campus in time for classes.

The Education University of Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

12:41AM

Homes offered to residents in need

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin says on her social media page that the authorities are assisting residents affected by the blaze and can provide more than 1,400 flats, including transitional housing and temporary homes in various districts across the city, for those in need.

12:36AM

Baby, elderly woman rescued

Late at night, a baby and an elderly woman are rescued from the burning buildings, both receiving oxygen masks before being taken to hospitals.

Photo: Dickson Lee

12:33AM

70 desperate residents cry for help

A self-rescue page created by residents shows at least 70 people are seeking help as of midnight, including some believed to be still trapped in flats and others whose whereabouts are unknown.

The page highlights that two specific blocks including Wang Tai House and Wang Cheong House are in dire need of help, with reports indicating that contact has been lost with some trapped individuals.

Another document created by the residents shows that about 50 people remain unreachable as of midnight.

Photo: Dickson Lee

12:24AM

Xi orders offices to extend support

In a late-night statement, Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office says President Xi is deeply concerned about the fire and has ordered it, along with the liaison office in the city, to support the local government in combating the blaze and managing its aftermath, providing all necessary help to mitigate the damage.

The office has pledged to fully implement Xi’s directive and maintain close communications with the local administration when extending help.

12:14AM

Drones banned until Sunday

Police have announced that drones will be banned in the vicinity of Wang Fuk Court from 8am on Thursday until 8am on Sunday, as firefighters continue to battle the horrific blaze at the estate.

Anyone flying small unmanned aircraft without authorisation during this period faces a maximum fine of HK$100,000 (US$12,856) and up to two years in jail.

11:51PM

School turned shelter ‘has sufficient supplies’

A care team member says that CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, which has been turned into a temporary shelter, has sufficient supplies on the premises.

“Thanks for your generous donations but for those who are not residents of Wang Fuk Court, please leave in an orderly manner to facilitate our work,” he says.

He also urges residents taking shelter to register with the authorities to help identify those in need.

Photo: Leopold Chen

11:35PM

7 residents still trapped: ex-district councillor

Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho tells the Post that at least seven residents are still trapped in their flats as of 11pm.

He says that he has reached out and texted some of them.

Photo: Karma Lo

11:24PM

Blast at flat

As firefighters scramble to put out the blaze, a loud blast can be heard from a flat on a high floor in Wang Tao House.

Occasional blast sounds are heard while sparks fall to the ground. Water jets do not seem to be able to reach the high flats.

11:12PM

3 Sham Shui Po residents offer helping hand

Three residents from Sham Shui Po are making their way to CCC Fung Leung Kit Secondary School, which has been converted into a temporary shelter, to see if they can help those affected by the fire.

One of them, Li Lan-fong, in her sixties, says they plan to help procure any necessary supplies for residents who have taken shelter at the school.

“If anyone cannot find a place to stay overnight, I may also offer them shelter at my home,” she says.

Residents rest at CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School. Photo: handout

11:12PM

City leader visits temporary shelter

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is visiting a temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre. He has been joined by Undersecretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching.

He spoke with government staff, care team members and police officers, before entering the hall where affected residents are spending the night.

Lee stays for 10 minutes and says he is heading to visit the injured in hospital.

Photo: Matthew Cheng

11:04PM

Dozens of flats still on fire

Eight hours into the blaze, dozens of flats in at least three blocks continue to burn, illuminated by flames.

Water jets appear only to be able to extinguish flames on the middle floors of buildings, not the upper ones.

Photo: Sam Tsang

11:00PM

No mainland China firefighters: sources

Two government sources have denied reports that firefighters from mainland China are heading to Tai Po to help with firefighting efforts.

“There is no need for help from the mainland for now,” one source says.

Their statements dispel rumours that mainland authorities have dispatched firetrucks from Shenzhen to the Heung Yuen Wai border.

Posts circulating on mainland and Hong Kong social media show a fleet of firetrucks parked near the border.

10:55PM

Another fire across river

Another fire has broken out near Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School, located about eight minutes’ walk from Wang Fuk Court and across the Tai Po River.

At least three fire engines and an ambulance are seen entering the campus.

Photo: Eugene Lee

10:47PM

100 residents stranded on podium

Around a hundred residents remained stranded on the podium of Kwong Fuk Estate at 10pm. Most were from Kwong Lai House and Kwong Yau House, located near Wang Fuk Court, who had been asked to evacuate.

A resident of Kwong Yau House surnamed Lau said she had received no information about temporary shelters and was only provided with a blanket, jacket, snacks, and hand warmers.

“They said the shelters are for residents of Wang Fuk Court, and the police asked me to stay on the podium,” Lau said.

The 76-year-old resident was worried she would have to spend the night outdoors and called for more support.

Lau recalled that when evacuation began, police blocked her from retrieving a jacket from her flat. “I told them I hadn’t brought my jacket, so I climbed seven flights of stairs to reach my flat,” she said.

10:33PM

Classes suspended at six schools in district

The Education Bureau has announced that classes will be suspended at six schools in the district on Thursday because of the fire and subsequent traffic congestion caused by road closures.

A bureau spokesperson said that educational psychologists have been sent to the temporary shelters to support affected students and urged parents and teachers to be mindful of their emotional well-being.

Photo: Eugene Lee

10:11PM

Xi sends his condolences

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent his condolences over those who died in the fire, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Xi has demanded an all-out effort to put out the fire and to minimise the casualties and loss caused by the blaze, he was quoted as saying.

9:59PM

Legco election forums suspended

The election forums scheduled for Thursday and Friday will be suspended until further notice due to the fire, the government says.

The Legislative Council election is set to be held on December 7, but several political parties have announced they will pause campaigning activities because of the tragedy.

9:49PM

‘Last to leave’

Wheelchair user Mr Suen, in his nineties, who lives on the 28th floor of Wang Yan House with his wife, says they received a call from the management office at around 8pm, telling them to leave soon after a fire broke out at nearby Wang Cheong House.

“The lift stopped … we were the last ones to leave. Otherwise I would have had to carry him,” their helper says.

Although their block was initially unaffected, the blaze later spread there as well. The couple will spend the night with relatives.

Photo: Danny Mok

9:35PM

Resident raised alarm with neighbour

A temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre is full, and residents unable to enter are urged to head to other ones.

Police officers are helping some residents search for missing family members with a loudspeaker.

Kwong Pui-lun, a former chairman of Wang Fuk Court’s owners’ corporation and living in Wang Tao House, is among those at the sports centre.

He says he saw Wang Cheong House on fire while exercising in the nearby park in the afternoon, then immediately rushed home and urged his neighbour to flee, as the fire alarm was not ringing.

“I always see construction workers smoking, and they litter cigarette butts everywhere,” Kwong says, adding that residents had complained about the issue but the management company did little to address it.

Photo: handout

9:12PM

Security chief ‘deeply saddened’ by firefighter’s death

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung has said he is deeply saddened by the death of firefighter Ho Wai-ho.

“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 says.

Photo: Edmond So

9:06PM

Firefighters will ‘keep trying’

Chan, deputy director of fire services, has urged trapped residents to use wet towels or plastic tape to seal their windows, and call for help.

He says the high temperatures have prevented firefighters from reaching some flats on the upper floors but pledges that they will “keep trying”.

Photo: AFP

8:48PM

High temperatures hindering efforts

Temperatures inside the buildings on fire pose a challenge to firefighting efforts, says Chan, deputy director of fire services.

“Debris and scaffolding of the affected building are falling down, posing additional danger to our frontline personnel,” he says.

“Besides, the temperature inside the building is very high, it’s quite difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.”

“It has become dark so our rescue and firefighting operation is becoming more difficult.”

However, as the fire is still raging in certain parts of the estate, Chan says it is difficult to estimate when it can be fully put out.

Derek Armstrong Chan, centre, deputy director of fire services. Photo: Handout

Photo: Sam Tsang

8:45PM

767 firefighters, 400 police officers in action

A total of 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, 767 firefighters and 400 police officers have been deployed to battle the raging fire.

And more than 700 people have taken shelter at the five community venues opened by the Tai Po District Office.

Photo: AP

8:36PM

Death toll rises to 13

The death toll has risen by one to 13, the fire department says.

A total of 28 people were found injured, with nine certified dead at the scene while four died in hospital. Another six are in serious condition.

Photo: Eugene Lee

8:34PM

New People’s Party halts poll campaign

New People’s Party, founded by Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, has become the second party to announce that it will suspend all election campaign activities in light of the catastrophic fire.

The party has fielded eight candidates to run in the coming Legco election on December 7.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong earlier said it would suspend its campaigns.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee. Photo: Eugene Lee

8:25PM

Woman says friend not contactable

A woman surnamed Kam, in her sixties and a resident of the adjacent Kwong Fuk Estate, is in a nearby park watching the burning building.

She says several of her friends live in Wang Fuk Court, and all have been accounted for except one woman in her seventies in Wang Cheong House, who usually naps at the time the fire broke out. Her daughters have been unable to reach her, Kam says.

Kam is not too worried about her own flat, about 200 metres from the scene as it appears unlikely to be affected.

Photo: EPA

8:22PM

Red Cross opens mental health hotline

The Hong Kong Red Cross has activated its mental health support hotline, staffed with more than 20 psychologists and trained volunteers on hand.

The hotline will remain open until midnight, and will operate from 10am to 10pm on Thursday and Friday. Affected residents can call 51645040.

Photo: Handout

8:21PM

Residents looking for help

At least eight residents are calling for help as they are still trapped, according to an online document initiated by residents for those in need to state their locations.

Photo: Eugene Lee

8:01PM

Passer-by spotted fire and sounded alert: source

A resident in the neighbourhood who cycled past Wang Fuk Court spotted the scaffolding ablaze on one of the buildings about 2pm on Wednesday and alerted the police, a source says.

Nearly six hours after the report, the fire has yet to be extinguished.

Photo: Handout

7:57PM

Calls for a probe into bamboo scaffolding fires

Fay Siu Sin-man, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, said there had been numerous fires involving bamboo scaffolding this year, resulting in at least five casualties.

She urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

Photo: Sam Tsang

7:53PM

12 dead, 16 injured, source says

Twelve people – eight women, three men and a firefighter – have perished in the fire, the Post has learned.

Another 16 people have been injured. Firefighters are still working to put out the blaze.

Photo: Eugene Lee

7:51PM

More shelters open for the night

Four more temporary shelters have been opened for residents to spend the night as the blaze rages on.

The Tai Po Community Centre, the community hall at Fu Shin Estate, Good House – a transitional public housing estate – and Fu Shin Sports Centre will be open to the 1,900-odd affected households from the estate.

By 7.36pm, CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, which had also turned into a temporary shelter, had taken in 400 residents, while Tai Po Community Centre and Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre had accommodated 74 and 34 people respectively.

Photo: Leopold Chen

7:51PM

More than 100 pets trapped

A pet rescue organisation has estimated that more than 100 pets are trapped inside the estate.

Zoie Cheng Kam-shan, business development director of the Hong Kong Pet Club, said the organisation had deployed two pet ambulances to the scene to receive animals rescued from the fire and transfer them to nearby veterinary clinics.

“We estimate that every block has more than 10 animals of different species,” she said. “We have received over 70 reports but are receiving more. So I estimate that there will be more than 100.”

Photo: Eugene Lee

Photo: AFP

7:49PM

DAB suspends election campaign

A spokesman for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong announced that the party would suspend all election campaign activities in light of the tragedy caused by the fire.

Photo: Eugene Lee

7:48PM

City leader chairs emergency meeting

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu says he has activated an emergency incidents monitoring and support centre to receive reports from the Security Bureau and the Fire Services Department and direct rescue work.

“The fire has caused multiple casualties and injuries. I express my deepest sorrow and condolences to the families of the deceased and injured,” Lee says on his Facebook page.

A photo of the meeting shows Lee with security minister Chris Tang Ping-keung, labour and welfare minister Chris Sun Yuk-han, health minister Lo Chung-mau, housing minister Winnie Ho Wing-yin and other top bureaucrats.

Photo: Handout

7:47PM

Anger over failure to control blaze

A resident of Wang Yan House surnamed Cheung expresses anger over the Fire Services Department’s failure to control the blaze.

She says her home is several blocks away from Wang Cheong House, the building where the fire first broke out.

“I thought about not evacuating at first, figuring the fire was far away, and there was no need to run,” said the 40-year-old resident, who eventually decided to leave.

“It’s already like a chain of boats on fire, with no one putting out the flames – they’re just watching the buildings burn. Are we all going to end up sleeping on the streets together?”

Cheung says she has seen construction workers smoking, and notices had been issued to fine the workers after residents complained.

But she questioned whether these measures were effective and wondered if smoking might have caused the fire.

Photo: AFP

7:46PM

‘No fires under control’

A senior police officer from Tai Po tells the Post that it is impossible to carry out a “floor sweeping” operation to confirm all flats have been cleared given the flames in none of the blocks have been fully extinguished.

Photo: Danny Mok

7:46PM

37-year-old firefighter certified dead at 4.45pm

Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin told the press at Prince of Wales Hospital that the firefighter who had died was a 37-year-old surnamed Ho, who served at the Sha Tin Fire Station.

According to Yeung, Ho arrived at the scene at 3.01pm to battle the blaze on the ground floor. However, he lost contact with his colleagues at 3.30pm and was later found with burns to his face at 4.01pm at Wang Cheong House.

Ho was pronounced dead at 4.45pm. The fire services chief said that another firefighter had also been admitted to hospital with heatstroke.

Photo: Edmond So

7:41PM

Family still trapped, woman cries

An emotional resident confronts police officers at the cordons, crying out that her family members are still trapped inside.

But officers refuse to let the woman through as others try to calm her.

“I don’t know if they are OK,” she exclaims.

Photo: Sam Tsang

7:39PM

Primary school opens as shelter

A primary school opposite Wang Fuk Court has voluntarily opened its campus as a temporary shelter for residents.

“As we saw that the official shelters were packed with residents, and some elderly faced difficulties climbing the stairs and walking there, so we opened our indoor playground for them to rest,” says Li Man-fai, vice-principal of SKH Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School.

He says the school has provided water and snacks, with around 100 residents there.

Photo: Eugene Lee

7:35PM

Man fears for mother-in-law

A man surnamed Fung says he still has no idea about the whereabouts of his 80-year-old mother-in-law, who has just recovered from pneumonia but is in poor condition.

“I don’t know whether she is still trapped inside, or which hospital she was sent to,” Fung says.

Photo: AP

7:32PM

All blocks on fire, says councillor

Tai Po district councillor Berry Mui Siu-fong, who was at the scene at about 6.30pm, tells the Post that all blocks are on fire.

He says that only the blaze in one block is under control, and from what he has seen, the fire has spread into flats.

Photo: Eugene Lee

7:19PM

Fire alarms failed to go off, say residents

Chan Kwong-tak, an 83-year-old retiree living in the community, says the fire alarms failed to go off when the blaze broke out in the afternoon, despite the buildings being equipped with them.

“If someone was sleeping then, they were done,” he says, adding that residents had to flee on their own.

Chan says that he has long raised concerns about the quality of work of the external wall project and workers’ smoking to the management office, but all his grievances went unaddressed.

Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho tells the Post that residents reported the fire alarms did not go off, even after they smelled something burning.

He says residents were only alerted when a security guard knocked on their doors, leaving them with little time to evacuate.

Photo: Sam Tsang

7:07PM

First No 5 alarm fire in 17 years

The last time Hong Kong experienced a No 5 alarm fire was the Cornwall Court blaze in 2008. The fire, which started in a karaoke bar and nightclub in Mong Kok, killed four people, including two firefighters, and injured 55 people.

A 5th alarm fire broke out at a night club in Cornwall Court on Nathan Road in 2008. Photo: Felix Wong

7:04PM

Why no water bombs, residents ask?

Wang Tao Court residents Miss Wong and her son stand in a park, helplessly watching the buildings go up in flames.

The air fills with popping sounds as falling debris crashes to the ground, while hundreds of residents and pedestrians gather nearby.

Wong estimates that some residents were still trapped in the buildings.

Wong and her son, long-time residents living on a lower floor, express frustration, questioning why firefighters have not deployed water bombs to speed up the operation, especially with the sea so close by.

Her son says that the exterior wall renovation project that was scheduled to finish by May has dragged on for more than a year.

The family say they have not noticed any smoking-related issues linked to the project.

Photo: Eugene Lee

7:00PM

1 more critically injured, bringing casualty figure to 9

A government spokeswoman says the Tai Po fire has resulted in four deaths and five injuries, as of 6.45pm. Among the injured, three people are in critical condition, one is seriously injured and another is in a stable condition.

The latest tally has included two more injured than in the previous count released at 5pm.

Photo: Sam Tsang

6:52PM

Fire alarm upgraded to highest level

The fire has been raised to a No 5 alarm, the highest level in the city.

It was upgraded nearly three hours after it was classified as a No 4 alarm.

As of 6.50pm, at least seven ambulances had been dispatched to the site.

Photo: Eugene Lee

6:49PM

Casualty hotline set up

The police force announces that it has set up a casualty hotline for the public. Residents who wish to make an enquiry about casualties in the fire can call 1878999 for more information.

Photo: Sam Tsang

6:47PM

Another building on fire

The top of Wang Yan House on the estate caught fire at 6.30pm after external scaffolding was alight for more than half an hour.

Police extended the closed-off area to bar people from entering the space in front of the building.

Pedestrians 100 metres away reported feeling intense heat. An officer at the scene says the building appears to have been fully evacuated when they swept floor to floor, though it remains unclear whether anyone is still inside.

Photo: Sam Tsang

6:45PM

Calls still flooding in, resident trapped on roof

Calls to police are still flooding in almost three hours after the blaze was upgraded to a No 4 alarm, with one resident stranded on the rooftop.

As of 6.30pm, a spokesman told the Post that police were still receiving calls for help from residents and family members.

These included a report of a resident trapped on the rooftop of Wang Tai House, and calls from concerned family members who could not locate loved ones living in Wang Cheong House.

Photo: Eugene Lee

6:44PM

People and pets trapped as blaze spreads

Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho tells the Post at around 6pm that at least 13 people, including eight elderly residents and two babies, were still trapped in the blaze as of one to two hours ago. He adds that some of those individuals could not be reached.

Fourteen cats were also trapped, he says.

Photo: Eugene Lee

6:40PM

Fire services in contact with trapped residents

Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of fire services, noted that his department has been receiving numerous calls from the public right from time the blaze started.

The second in command for the Fire Services Department said control room officers were in contact with those trapped inside the buildings, while urging residents to tell officers their flat unit number and the number of people requiring help.

6:36PM

Residents complained of workers smoking

Kenny Tam, a 45-year-old retail worker, says the renovation of the buildings’ external walls has been going for about a year, with some residents complaining about the quality of the work.

“Some said they also found workers smoking. Such complaints have been going on for half a year,” he says.

The cause of the blaze remains uncertain.

Photo: Eugene Lee

6:34PM

Fire Services, police hotlines overwhelmed

Hotlines for the Fire Services Department and police were jammed at about 4pm as calls for help surged, the Post has learned.

A force spokesman told the Post that officers had been responding to calls from affected residents, family members who had lost contact with their loved ones in the housing estate, as well as people who had breathing difficulties and required help from firefighters.

Photo: Eugene Lee

6:29PM

Police evacuate 2 blocks at another nearby estate

As of 6pm, police have been knocking on doors at two blocks in Kwong Fuk Estate, a nearby public housing estate, telling residents living in Kwong Lai House and Kwong Yau House to evacuate.

Photo: Eugene Lee

6:20PM

Residents stream into shelters

Residents, including elderly people with walking sticks and those in wheelchairs, have headed to CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, now serving as temporary shelter.

From there, they will be taken by coach to Kwong Fuk Community Hall and Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, which will remain open overnight for those affected by the fire.

Meanwhile, some residents in unaffected blocks who were able to return to their homes have packed their essential belongings into suitcases.

Tai Po District Office has set up a help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for help and enquiries, which can be reached at 2658 4040.

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:50PM

‘It is so chaotic’: residents express frustration

Residents of Wang Fuk Court expressed frustration over the spread of the fire and questioned the tactics used to extinguish it after flames reached other blocks of the estate.

“When there’s a wildfire, they will deploy helicopters and drop water bombs, but why is there no such deployment and how can they leave other buildings burning?” says a resident in her sixties, who only wishes to be identified as Mrs Poon.

“The community is so close to the fire station and we thought the fire could be put out soon, but now the fire has spread. I’m so disappointed,” she adds, noting that she received no instructions from the government on where to seek help.

Another resident, surnamed Wong, rushed home from work in Kwai Chung after hearing the news, saying: “It’s so chaotic. No instructions from the government at all.”

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:47PM

Flats engulfed by inferno

Flats in the buildings have been engulfed by the inferno.

Photo: Sam Tsang

Photo: Sam Tsang

Photo: Sam Tsang

Photo: Sam Tsang

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:47PM

Estate is home to 4,000 residents

The estate comprises 1,984 flats and is home to about 4,000 residents. The blaze is expected to have a significant impact on the community and the estate.

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:40PM

Elderly man weeps as wife trapped

The fire has been burning for two hours since it was upgraded to a No 4 alarm.

A 71-year-old man, surnamed Wong, breaks down in tears, saying his wife is trapped in the fire. Overcome with fear, he stands helpless and unable to act.

Photo: Sam Tsang

5:32PM

Residents watch in despair as homes destroyed

A mother hugs her crying son, and another resident folds her hands in prayer, as they stare at the burning estate.

The No 4 fire has drawn large crowds to gather around the area, some covering their noses to avoid inhaling the thick smoke, while residents look on in dismay at the damage to their homes.

Tai Po Baptist Public School, a nearby primary school, has advised parents heading there for Primary One registration to stay away from the area because of the fire.

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:31PM

Latest tally of casualties: 4 dead, at least 3 injured

As of 5pm, seven people have been sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. Among them, four were confirmed dead, two are in critical condition and another is in stable condition.

According to authorities, the fire broke out at 2.51pm, and was upgraded to a No 3 alarm blaze at 3.02pm and No 4 at 3.34pm.

Photo: Sam Tsang

5:18PM

No 4 alarm fire claimed 2 lives in 2016

A No 4 alarm fire has hit Hong Kong in the past, most notably in 2016, when a blaze swept through an industrial building in Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon.

The fire burned for four days, and tragically claimed the lives of two firefighters.

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:09PM

Fire spreads to 3 blocks

The first building in Wang Fuk Court to catch fire was Wang Cheong House, with the force receiving a report at 2:52pm.

Later in the afternoon, the neighbouring Wang Tai House and Wang Shing House, located on either side of Wang Cheong House, also caught fire.

Photo: Eugene Lee

5:01PM

Firefighter injured

The Post has learned that a firefighter has been injured at the scene. Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin is heading to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin to follow up on the injury.

Photo: Eugene Lee

4:53PM

Red fire warning since Monday

The Hong Kong Observatory has maintained a red fire danger warning since Monday morning, indicating an extremely high risk of fire.

The forecaster issues the fire danger warnings based on conditions such as relative humidity, wind speed and dryness of vegetation.

Photo: Sam Tsang

4:42PM

Estate being renovated

There are eight blocks and more than 1,900 flats in Wang Fuk Court.

The Incorporated Owners of the estate made headlines last year for approving a HK$330 million renovation proposal, a plan that has faced considerable dissatisfaction from numerous property owners.

Photo: Eugene Lee

4:40PM

Roads closed

All lanes of Tai Po Road (Yuen Chau Tsai) towards Sha Tin near Kwong Wang Street have been closed off due to the fire, according to the Transport Department.

Slip road lanes leading from Tolo Highway to Tai Po Road (Yuen Chau Tsai) are also closed.

Bus operator KMB says Kowloon-bound services 72, 72A, 73A, 74A, 73X and 75X have been diverted, as well as 71K in both directions.

Citybus routes 79, B8 and 307 have also been affected.

The Transport Department has called on motorists to use alternative routes while residents should consider using railway services.