Horror in Hong Kong At least 12 people have died after a massive fire tore through residential towers.

*Tragedy Strikes Hong Kong: Massive Fire Engulfs Residential Towers, Claiming 13 Lives*

A devastating fire swept through a residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 26, 2025, resulting in one of the deadliest blazes in recent history. According to reports from the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, at least 13 people lost their lives, and many more were injured in the inferno ¹.

*The Fire*

The blaze broke out at approximately 2:51 pm at Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex consisting of eight blocks with nearly 2,000 residential units. The fire spread rapidly, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and construction netting surrounding the buildings due to ongoing renovation work. The blaze was upgraded to a No. 5 alarm, the highest level of severity, by 6:22 pm, prompting a massive response from firefighters and emergency services ².

*Rescue Efforts*

Firefighters battled the intense flames, with 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances deployed to the scene. Despite the challenges posed by the blaze, rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and extinguish the fire. Unfortunately, one firefighter, surnamed Ho, was among the deceased, and another was being treated for heat exhaustion ¹.

*Casualties and Injuries*

The fire resulted in 13 fatalities, with nine people declared dead at the scene and four others succumbing to injuries at the hospital. At least 15 others were injured, with two in critical condition. The Hong Kong government confirmed that the injured were being treated at local hospitals ³.

*Cause of the Fire*

The exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. However, authorities have raised concerns about the use of bamboo scaffolding in construction projects, citing safety risks. Hong Kong's Development Bureau had announced plans to phase out bamboo scaffolding in certain high-risk projects earlier this year ⁴.

*Aftermath*

The fire left hundreds of residents homeless, with around 700 people evacuated to temporary shelters. The Hong Kong government has set up registration points for missing persons and is working to provide support to those affected. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident ³.

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*Safety Concerns and Future Precautions*

This tragic incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in construction projects. As Hong Kong continues to grapple with the aftermath of the fire, it is likely that there will be increased scrutiny of safety protocols and regulations in the city's building industry.

What measures can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future? How will the Hong Kong government respond to the concerns raised about bamboo scaffolding in construction projects?

Follow-up questions:

1. What are the specific safety concerns associated with bamboo scaffolding in construction projects?

2. How will the Hong Kong government support the residents affected by the fire in the long term?