Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno Leaves at Least 14 Dead, Dozens Injured

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2026 (FMC) — At least 14 people have been killed and more than a dozen injured after a major fire engulfed several residential high-rise buildings in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district on Wednesday, according to local authorities.

The blaze tore through parts of the 32-storey Wang Fuk Court housing complex, sending thick black smoke into the sky as firefighters worked for hours to contain the flames. The towers were covered in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh — materials the Hong Kong government began phasing out earlier this year due to safety concerns. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire Services officials said the intensity of the heat made reaching the upper floors extremely difficult, and efforts became more challenging after nightfall. The department also noted that it has not yet determined how many residents may still be inside the buildings.

One firefighter was among those killed, the Fire Services director confirmed. At least 16 others sustained injuries.

Emergency services first received reports of the fire at 2:51 p.m. local time. By 6:22 p.m., the incident had been raised to a No. 5 alarm — the city’s highest classification — as strong winds accelerated the spread of the flames across seven of the complex’s eight blocks. Wang Fuk Court comprises eight towers with a combined 2,000 residential units.

Residents described chaotic scenes as the fire rapidly intensified. Harry Cheung, 66, who has lived in Block Two for more than four decades, said he heard “a very loud noise” shortly before 3:00 p.m. and saw flames erupting from a nearby tower. “I immediately went back to pack my things,” he said, adding that he does not expect to return home tonight.

Witnesses reported scaffolding collapsing as firefighters battled the blaze, while numerous fire engines and ambulances crowded the roads surrounding the development.

Authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts and have warned that the death toll may rise as assessments continue.