Major Fire in Hong Kong Kills 14 and Causes Chaos in Tai Po District

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A massive fire swept through the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday (Nov 26), engulfing several high-rise apartment towers in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. At least 14 people were reported dead, while dozens more suffered injuries after becoming trapped in thick smoke and extreme heat. The incident has become one of the deadliest residential fires in the city in recent years, prompting an extensive emergency response from local authorities.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire was first spotted on the exterior of a building undergoing renovation work. Bamboo scaffolding and construction netting surrounding the tower were believed to have accelerated the spread of the flames. The highly flammable materials ignited within minutes, allowing the fire to jump rapidly across multiple blocks. Residents awakened by the smell of smoke and small explosions rushed to escape, but many living on higher floors were unable to evacuate in time.

Firefighters dispatched to the scene immediately faced significant challenges. With flames engulfing the building and external structures collapsing, their operations were carried out under extremely hazardous conditions. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department raised the alert level to No. 5—the highest fire alarm classification—signaling the severe complexity of the incident. Dozens of fire engines, aerial ladders, and technical rescue teams were deployed in the operation.

Many victims were found in stairwells and emergency corridors, believed to have been attempting to escape when thick smoke overwhelmed the exit routes. Some residents who reached the rooftop had to wait for aerial rescue teams because stairways and elevators were filled with smoke. Hospitals across the New Territories received waves of patients suffering from burns, respiratory injuries, and trauma. As search efforts continued into the afternoon, the number of injured residents continued to rise.

More than 700 people were evacuated from the eight residential blocks within the complex. The government opened temporary shelters in nearby sports halls, providing emergency beds, food supplies, and psychological support for displaced residents. Many evacuees carried only essential belongings, while a large number of apartment units were left heavily damaged by fire and firefighting operations.

Initial investigations suggest that construction materials on the exterior of the building played a significant role in accelerating the fire. Bamboo scaffolding commonly used in Hong Kong is known to ignite easily when exposed to heat or sparks. Authorities are also examining whether safety regulations were violated during the renovation project, including the possible storage of flammable materials or unsafe electrical installations in the construction area.

The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over building safety standards in Hong Kong, a city known for its dense population and aging high-rise infrastructure. The government is expected to face pressure to tighten construction regulations, particularly concerning the use of bamboo scaffolding, which has long been a local tradition but is increasingly viewed as inadequate for modern safety demands. Residents and safety advocates are urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit of renovation sites to prevent similar incidents from happening again.