Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: 13 Killed, 15 Injured in Tai Po Blaze Updates & Investigation

A catastrophic fire has ripped through a cluster of high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving 15 others injured. The inferno, which began at Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday afternoon, escalated to a Level 5 alarm – the highest severity – highlighting the immense challenge faced by emergency services.

The Blaze at Wang Fuk Court

The devastating fire originated at Wang Fuk Court, a significant housing complex in Tai Po, at approximately 2:51 PM local time on Wednesday. This complex, constructed in 1983, comprises eight 31-storey tower blocks, providing nearly 2,000 apartments for around 4,600 residents. District Councillor Mui Siu-fung confirmed that seven of these eight towers were engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the Hong Kong skyline for hours. Residents reported through local media that fire alarms failed to sound, adding to the chaos and danger.

Mounting Casualties and Heroic Efforts

The initial death toll of four rapidly climbed to 13, with fears that more lives could be lost as several individuals remain unaccounted for. Among the deceased is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, a nine-year veteran stationed at Sha Tin Fire Station, who tragically collapsed while on duty and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Another firefighter is also reported to be hospitalized. The Fire Services Department confirmed that nine victims died at the scene. Authorities, alongside police using loudspeakers, are actively assisting families in their desperate search for missing loved ones.

A Battle Against the Flames

The scale of the disaster prompted a massive emergency response. Over 760 firefighters, supported by 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and roughly 400 police officers, were deployed to the scene. Despite these extensive efforts, the ferocity of the blaze and the intense heat prevented immediate entry into the affected buildings for rescue operations. Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan described the perilous conditions, noting "debris and scaffolding of the affected building are falling down, posing additional danger to our front-line personnel." This incident marks the first Level 5 fire in Hong Kong in 17 years, underscoring its exceptional severity.

Mass Evacuation and Community Support

The sprawling nature of Wang Fuk Court, housing thousands, necessitated a large-scale evacuation. Not only residents from the complex but also those in nearby, unaffected buildings were moved to safety. Emergency shelters, including sports centers and community halls, were swiftly established to accommodate the displaced, with one shelter reportedly reaching full capacity. The government has activated an emergency monitoring and support center, and police have set up a public hotline (+852 1878 999) for inquiries regarding casualties.

The Bamboo Scaffolding Factor

A critical element in the fire's rapid and extensive spread appears to be the bamboo scaffolding that enveloped the buildings, which were undergoing renovations. Footage showed flames quickly consuming the bamboo, acting as a vertical conduit for the fire. While bamboo scaffolding is a traditional and iconic part of Hong Kong's construction landscape, known for its strength and rapid growth, it presents significant safety concerns due to its high combustibility and variations in mechanical properties. Local media had previously reported on the government's efforts to phase out bamboo in favor of metal scaffolding due to a series of scaffolding-related deaths and safety issues. This tragedy tragically highlights these inherent risks.

Ongoing Investigation

As the city grapples with the aftermath, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are working to determine how the blaze started and to understand the full extent of the damage and loss.