HONG KONG: The death toll from a massive fire that swept through the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po district has risen to 128, authorities said on Friday. Dozens more remain missing as rescue teams continue to search the charred high-rises.
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The fire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, spread rapidly across eight buildings, transforming the densely packed complex into an inferno. Flames reportedly engulfed multiple blocks within 15 minutes, prompting residents to alert neighbours door-to-door as no fire alarms were heard.
Fire services declared the blaze “largely extinguished” by 10:18am local time on Friday after more than 40 hours of firefighting. Over 50 people remain hospitalised, with 12 in critical and 28 in serious condition. Among the victims confirmed dead are a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian domestic workers.
Hong Kong Fire Deaths Rise To 128, Dozens Still Missing
Death toll in a fire that ripped through a Hong Kong residential estate this week has risen to 128. Dozens were still missing: Sources #FireAccident #HongKong #fire pic.twitter.com/bruBlFCeEL
— Prameya English (@PrameyaEnglish) November 28, 2025
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the fire, focusing on renovation materials, including bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the estate. Police have arrested three men suspected of negligently leaving foam packaging at the site. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption body is also probing the renovation work.
The tragedy marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when at least 135 people perished. Following the disaster, the government announced a HK$300 million ($38.5 million) fund to assist victims, opened nine shelters, and arranged temporary housing and emergency support for displaced residents.
1/ JUST IN: The security chief Chris Tang has said that the death toll in the Tai Po fire has risen to 128. In full: https://t.co/zFxU2fH9qS pic.twitter.com/J2TVvVwW4Y
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) November 28, 2025
Community efforts to support survivors have been remarkable. Spontaneous donation stations for food, clothing, and medical aid have been established, with volunteers providing psychological and practical assistance. Authorities also plan immediate inspections of all estates undergoing major renovations, with a focus on safer scaffolding practices.
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Legislative election activities scheduled for December 7 have been suspended as Hong Kong mourns the loss. Officials continue to work tirelessly to locate missing residents and provide relief to families affected by the catastrophe.