Hong Kong's Worst Fire in Decades Leaves Community in Mourning
A devastating fire tore through an eight-building apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, marking the territory's deadliest blaze in almost 80 years. The tragedy has claimed at least 65 lives, with authorities reporting more than 250 people still missing as rescue operations continue.
Survivors Recount Terrifying Escape
Wong Sik-kam, a resident who had lived in the Wang Fuk Court estate for 40 years, described the rapid spread of the flames that began on November 26, 2025. "The fire started from the sixth block. Then it spread to the fifth and the fourth block and so on," Wong told AFP at a community centre where survivors gathered.
The fire originated in mesh-covered bamboo scaffolding and was carried from building to building by strong winds. Only the eighth block was spared from the inferno, with Wong noting that residents there were considered lucky compared to those in other sections of the complex.
Wong's own apartment in the third block was completely destroyed. He explained how the configuration of the buildings contributed to the tragedy: "Because the third block is attached to the first and second, when the third block caught fire, there was no way the other two could escape."
From Normal Fire to Catastrophic Inferno
Wong initially underestimated the severity of the situation when his son, who was among the firefighters battling the blaze, called to warn him. "I thought it was just like a normal fire... it's just a bit of a commotion and it'd be put out," he recalled. "But it turned out to be that big that the whole estate went up in flames."
The scale became apparent when Wong saw firefighters rescuing people from other blocks. He immediately sprang into action, going door-to-door to alert his neighbors. "I went to every unit and banged on their doors, (shouting) 'Fire! Fire! Let's get out! Let's get out!'" he said.
Wong and other residents used stairwells rather than elevators to evacuate, demonstrating what he called "common sense" during such emergencies. Once outside, they were transported by shuttle bus to nearby shelters as police secured the area, keeping people at a safe distance from falling scaffolding.
Tragic Toll on Elderly Residents
The human cost of the disaster became increasingly clear as rescue efforts continued through the night. Wong's son, working on the higher floors, provided sobering updates about the casualties. "Those who are elderly, those who didn't run away, they have suffocated to death because it's too hot. The heat killed them," Wong recounted.
The death toll is expected to rise significantly, with Wong reporting that his son mentioned potentially over 100 fatalities. Police have established a grim identification process at community centres, displaying photos of the deceased for families and friends to view.
Wong spent a restless night at a temporary shelter, managing only two to three hours of sleep under bright lights. His concern extended to his firefighter son, warning him about potential structural collapse after the prolonged burning.
The Wang Fuk Court fire now stands as Hong Kong's most deadly blaze since World War II, raising serious questions about building safety standards and emergency response protocols in the densely populated city.
