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Deadly Blaze Engulfs Hong Kong Housing Complex
A massive fire tore through seven high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people-including one firefighter-and injuring 15 others, as flames fueled by bamboo scaffolding spread rapidly across the 31-story buildings.
Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, dominating the city's skyline for hours after the blaze erupted at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT). By nightfall, the inferno remained uncontained, with 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and 400 police officers deployed to the scene.
Fire Spreads Through Renovation Scaffolding
The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a 40-year-old public housing complex of eight towers housing roughly 4,600 residents. Seven of the buildings were engulfed, with flames accelerating through bamboo scaffolding erected for ongoing renovations, according to Tai Po District Councillor Mui Siu-fung.
Residents told local media that fire alarms failed to activate. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department classified the incident as a level-five alarm-the highest severity-marking the city's first such blaze in 17 years. Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan warned that collapsing debris and extreme heat hindered rescue efforts, delaying firefighters' ability to enter the buildings.
"Debris and scaffolding of the affected building are falling down, posing additional danger to our front-line personnel."
Derek Armstrong Chan, Deputy Director, Hong Kong Fire Services
Casualties and Ongoing Search for Missing
Authorities initially reported four deaths but later revised the toll to 13, with nine victims declared dead at the scene. Among the dead was Ho Wai-ho, 37, a firefighter with nine years of service who collapsed during operations and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung called his loss "profoundly grieving" in a statement.
Another firefighter remains hospitalized, while 15 civilians were injured-down from an earlier estimate of 28. Police used loudspeakers to help residents locate missing family members, as fears persist that the death toll could rise. Emergency shelters, including one at Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre, filled quickly, prompting evacuations to nearby community halls.
Evacuations and Government Response
Thousands of residents, including elderly individuals using walking aids or wheelchairs, were evacuated to temporary shelters. The government activated an emergency support center, and Security Secretary Tang Ping-keung urged the public to use a dedicated hotline (+852 1878 999) for casualty inquiries.
Safety Concerns Over Bamboo Scaffolding
The towers were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding-a traditional but flammable material-during renovations. Hong Kong, one of the last cities to use bamboo in modern construction, has faced criticism over its safety. In March, the Development Bureau cited its "intrinsic weaknesses," including high combustibility and structural deterioration, after a series of scaffolding-related fatalities.
"Bamboo scaffolds have intrinsic weaknesses such as variation in mechanical properties, deterioration over time, and high combustibility, giving rise to safety concerns."
Terence Lam, Spokesperson, Hong Kong Development Bureau (March 2025)
While the fire's cause remains under investigation, officials noted the scaffolding likely accelerated its spread across multiple buildings. The blaze's intensity and the risk of structural collapse delayed full containment, with residents bracing for potential overnight burning.
What's Next
Authorities have not provided a timeline for extinguishing the fire or reopening the complex. Investigations into the cause-including potential failures in alarm systems and scaffolding safety-are expected to follow. The government's push to phase out bamboo scaffolding may face renewed scrutiny amid the tragedy.
