The death toll from the devastating fire that tore through Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen sharply to 13, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. What began as a rapidly spreading blaze in an apartment complex undergoing renovation escalated into one of the city’s worst fire disasters in nearly two decades.
According to Hong Kong officials, nine victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while six others were rushed to nearby hospitals in serious condition. The fire also claimed the life of a 37-year-old firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who collapsed while battling the blaze and later died at Prince of Wales Hospital. Fire Services Department director Andy Yeung described Ho as a “dedicated and gallant” officer whose loss has deeply shaken the department.
The inferno erupted on Wednesday afternoon and is believed to have spread rapidly through bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building. The residential complex houses 4,600 residents across nearly 2,000 flats. With the fire upgraded to level 5, Hong Kong deployed 767 firefighters, dozens of fire trucks, and emergency teams to contain the flames. This marks the first grade 5 fire since the 2008 Cornwall Court incident in Mong Kok.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his condolences and announced that he had convened an emergency meeting to coordinate rescue efforts and relief support. He said assistance stations have been set up by the Social Welfare Department, while the Hospital Authority has activated its emergency response mechanisms.
The blaze caused significant disruptions across Tai Po, forcing the closure of several roads and the diversion of more than 30 bus routes as authorities monitored the unfolding situation.
In response to the displacement of residents, the Hong Kong government has opened temporary shelters at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building. A help desk has also been established at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, along with a public enquiry hotline.
As firefighters continue to battle the flames and assess remaining risks, authorities warn that more updates are expected as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
