A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed at least 36 lives, according to reports on November 26, 2025. The fire, which broke out at approximately 2:51 PM local time, escalated quickly, reaching a No. 4 alarm by 3:34 PM and a No. 5 alarm by 6:22 PM.
In addition to the fatalities, over two dozen people were injured, with many requiring hospital treatment. Alarmingly, approximately 279 individuals are reported missing.
Tragically, a firefighter, identified as Ho Wai-ho, 37, died in the line of duty while responding to the emergency. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee expressed condolences to the victims’ families and highlighted the urgent efforts by emergency services to extinguish the fire and assist those affected.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also conveyed his condolences, instructing authorities to prioritize search and rescue operations and ensure medical care for the injured.
