Hong Kong (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left at least 65 dead and 279 people missing, with rescue efforts ongoing amid immense despair for affected families. Authorities announced arrests linked to the fire and a full investigation into the blaze’s cause, described by Chief Executive John Lee as a “massive catastrophe.”
Deadly fire in Tai Po housing estate
As reported by Rachel Pannett of South China Morning Post, a ferocious fire broke out on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, engulfing seven of eight residential blocks in the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, a densely populated northern district of Hong Kong. Flames rapidly consumed bamboo scaffolding wrapped around the buildings, accelerating the fire’s spread. Forty-four people including a firefighter were confirmed dead by early Thursday, with government figures indicating that 279 residents remained unaccounted for as rescue operations continued deep into the night and following day.
Rescue efforts and ongoing search
John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, spoke at a press conference at Sha Tin’s Prince of Wales Hospital, assuring the public of ongoing efforts to locate survivors. Intensive searches are being conducted floor by floor. Around 900 people displaced by the blaze have been evacuated to community halls across the district. Emergency crews continue battling to control flames still burning in part of the estate early Thursday morning. At least 70 people were reported injured, with many suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Cause and investigation
The estate’s buildings had been undergoing renovations since July 2024, with bamboo scaffolding and green mesh covering the structures. Authorities noted the unusual rapid spread of the fire, exacerbated by flammable styrofoam materials found inside the buildings. Three men connected with a construction company overseeing the renovations a detail reported by Euronews correspondent Marianna Spring—were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, as the government launched criminal probes into the blaze.
Political and social impact
The fire, Hong Kong’s deadliest in over six decades, has prompted significant political responses. President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and called on all agencies for “all-out efforts” to minimise casualties. Chief Executive Lee suggested reviewing whether upcoming elections scheduled for December 7 should be postponed in light of the tragedy. The blaze has highlighted challenges facing Hong Kong’s densely built neighbourhoods and raised questions about construction safety and emergency preparedness.
Families’ anguish and community support
Reports describe a harrowing scene among families anxiously awaiting news of missing relatives. Rescue teams face difficult conditions navigating smoke-choked hallways and unstable structures. Community halls serving as shelters have also become spaces of grief and solidarity, where displaced residents receive medical aid and counselling. International media coverage, including BBC and CNN, have highlighted the scale of loss and the collective resolve to support survivors and the bereaved.
