Flames tore through multiple high-rise buildings as firefighters battled extreme conditions to rescue trapped residents
A catastrophic fire ripped through a Hong Kong housing complex on November 26, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving hundreds of residents unaccounted for as flames continued burning into the early morning hours. The blaze at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district became one of the deadliest fires the city has witnessed in nearly three decades.
The inferno began around 3 p.m. local time and quickly spread across seven of the eight tower buildings in the complex, engulfing bamboo scaffolding that had been erected for renovation work. By late evening, firefighters were still battling the flames while desperately trying to reach residents trapped on upper floors, where temperatures reached unbearable levels.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee confirmed the death toll and revealed that 279 people remain uncontactable. Another 29 individuals were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. Speaking to reporters in the early hours of Thursday, Lee called the incident a major disaster and expressed deep condolences to affected families.
Elderly residents face greatest risk
Wang Fuk Court houses more than 4,600 people across nearly 2,000 apartments, with a disproportionately high number of elderly residents calling the public housing estate home. According to government data from 2021, roughly 36 percent of residents are 65 or older, significantly higher than the citywide average of about 20 percent.
The vulnerable demographic made evacuation particularly challenging. Witnesses described seeing elderly residents wrapped in blankets, some requiring assistance from multiple people to take even small steps away from the burning buildings. More than 700 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters set up at nearby schools and community centers, with many facing the reality that they cannot return home for days.
One retiree who had just completed an eight-month renovation of his apartment, costing tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars, watched helplessly as flames consumed his new home. He had been preparing to move in when the fire broke out. Now, he said simply, it’s all burnt.
Bamboo scaffolding fueled the flames
The fire spread with alarming speed across the exterior bamboo scaffolding that had been wrapped around the buildings during renovation work. This ancient construction technique, dating back to the Han dynasty, remains widely used throughout Hong Kong despite growing safety concerns.
While bamboo is celebrated for its flexibility and sustainability, the material is highly combustible. As flames climbed the scaffolding, sections began peeling off the tower sides and plummeting 10 to 20 stories down, sometimes striking debris below and sending showers of sparks into the air. The falling materials created additional hazards for firefighters working on the ground.
Hong Kong officials recently announced plans to require metal scaffolding for 50 percent of new public building projects, but the policy drew criticism from residents who view bamboo scaffolding as important cultural heritage. This fire marks the second major blaze involving bamboo-covered buildings in less than two months, after an October incident at a high-rise in the Central business district.
Rescue efforts face extreme challenges
Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Derek Armstrong Chan described the harrowing conditions his crews encountered. Firefighters faced extreme temperatures inside the buildings that made reaching upper floors nearly impossible. Debris and scaffolding continued falling throughout the operation, creating constant danger for emergency responders.
The department deployed 767 firefighters using 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances in the massive rescue operation. Despite the enormous response, many residents on higher floors remained trapped hours after the fire began. Officials urged those still inside to close all doors and windows, seal them with wet towels, and contact emergency services with their exact locations.
The rescue operation claimed the life of 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who sustained fatal injuries while battling the blaze. Hong Kong officials paid tribute to his gallantry and selfless devotion to duty, with the Secretary for Security expressing profound grief at his passing.
A rare disaster for Hong Kong
Despite being one of the most densely populated cities on earth with the highest concentration of skyscrapers in the world, Hong Kong maintains a strong building safety record. The city’s strict construction regulations and enforcement have historically prevented major disasters, even during powerful typhoon seasons.
Wednesday’s fire appears to be the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1997, when 17 people died in a karaoke bar blaze. A 2011 fire in the Fa Yuen street area killed nine people, but incidents of this magnitude remain exceptionally rare.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims and urged all-out efforts to minimize casualties. Police have launched an investigation into the fire’s cause, with housing authorities examining whether protective layers used during the refurbishment met fire safety standards.
This article was adapted from content originally published by CNN.