A powerful fire tore through a large residential complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more. The blaze started in the afternoon and grew rapidly, engulfing several high-rise towers in the estate. Firefighters struggled under extreme heat and collapsing debris as the fire spread.
Victims and Damage
Thirteen people lost their lives — nine were found dead at the scene, while four others died later in the hospital. The victims include a 37-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty. Around 23 people suffered injuries, with some in critical or serious condition. Hundreds of residents were evacuated, and more than 700 were taken to temporary shelters as authorities searched for unaccounted-for individuals.
The housing estate, comprised of eight tall towers with nearly 2,000 flats, houses roughly 4,800 people. At least seven of those towers caught fire, putting thousands at risk.
How the Fire Spread
The fire reportedly began on bamboo scaffolding used during renovation work. Flames raced along the scaffolding and construction netting, jumping to adjacent buildings. Wind and debris likely made matters worse, helping the fire move quickly from one block to another.
Inside the buildings, conditions turned nightmarish. Intense heat and falling materials slowed rescuers and made it hard to reach upper floors. Fire services described the task as “very difficult.” They deployed a huge operation, using over a hundred fire trucks and dozens of ambulances.
Emergency Response
Rescue teams mobilised fast, and the alarm level was raised to the highest — Level 5. Authorities set up temporary shelters and a hotline to help residents report missing loved ones. Many families came in through the night, searching in terror for their relatives, unsure of who was still unaccounted for.
Residents’ Trauma
The fire left people fearful, shocked, and heartbroken. One 57-year-old resident said, “It’s heartbreaking. We’re worried there are people trapped inside.” Another, watching his home burn, noted, “I’ve given up thinking about my property… Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.” With shattered homes and lost lives, survivors are now left grappling with deep loss.
Bigger Questions Raised
This disaster has renewed serious concern over the safety of bamboo scaffolding, a common sight in Hong Kong’s construction and renovation projects. Critics demand stricter safety rules and faster phasing out of such risky practices. The poor fire resistance of scaffolding materials and rapid fire spread in high-rise estates highlight long-standing gaps in fire‐safety regulation.
