Hong Kong, China – Hong Kong authorities have released a grim update on the massive fire that engulfed the Wang Fook Court residential complex in the Tai Po district of northern Hong Kong. The confirmed death toll has risen to 128.
The death toll is expected to rise further. This comes as the search continues for approximately 150 people who remain missing.
This incident is the worst fire disaster in Hong Kong since 1948. Analysts compare it to the Grenfell Tower disaster in London in 2017 in terms of the scale of destruction and human losses.
Background of the disaster and speed of spread
The fire started on Wednesday afternoon, November 26, 2025, in one of the seven towers that make up the complex. The complex consists of eight high-rise buildings (32 stories each) and houses approximately 4,600 residents.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing seven towers. The rapid spread was attributed to several hazardous factors, including the use of traditional bamboo scaffolding, green netting for dust protection, and highly flammable Styrofoam insulation panels covering the windows due to ongoing renovation work.
Firefighting operations continued for days. Temperatures inside buildings reached as high as 200 degrees Celsius in some areas as late as Saturday, November 29.
Difficult rescue efforts
Rescue teams engaged in strenuous efforts, comprising over 1,200 firefighters and 300 fire engines.
Despite their efforts, the teams faced significant challenges due to thick smoke and intense heat. This hampered access to numerous apartments, from which emergency crews received more than 20 distress calls.
The teams were only able to rescue one survivor from the 16th floor after a full day of the fire.
