Hong Kong Fire Tragedy: A fire broke out in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Monday afternoon, which shook the entire city. Major fire breaks out in Wang Fuk Court apartment complex It took the lives of 75 people in no time, while more than 70 people were injured. At the same time, about 300 people are still reported missing. This is being described as one of the most horrific fire accidents in Hong Kong.

Why did the 31-storey building burn in just 4–5 minutes?

Event Wang Cheong House of Tai Po It started in 2007, where external renovation work was going on for months. A large amount of bamboo scaffolding and green plastic netting was installed to cover the buildings… and this became the main reason for the rapid spread of the fire. The government had banned bamboo scaffolding in March 2025 because it is highly flammable.

The windows of many flats had Styrofoam and polystyrene boards, which burn explosively when caught fire. The fire, which started at 2:50 pm, spread to the top within a few minutes. According to investigating officials, the Styrofoam covering the windows of the lift shaft increased the speed of the fire manifold. After initial investigation, the police have arrested 3 people including the contractor.

What kind of construction was there in the complex?

Wang Fuk Court Complex was built in the year 1983. It is the tallest residential area in Tai Po, consisting of 8 high-rise buildings, approximately 2,000 flats and home to more than 4,600 people as of the 2021 census. There was an outcry in the area after the fire. Hundreds of people have been shifted to temporary shelters.

Preliminary investigation also suggests that the fire may have started from a thrown cigarette, which immediately caught fire on the flammable netting and bamboo structure installed outside.

What was the worst fire in the history of Hong Kong?

• 1918 – Happy Valley Racecourse: 600+ deaths


• 1948 – Warehouse fire: 176 deaths


• This fire of 26 November 2025 has now reached the third place after these horrific incidents.