Hong Kong: Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu convened an urgent high-level emergency meeting late Wednesday as a massive blaze ravaged the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, plunging the city into shock and grief. The fire, which rapidly engulfed the building, has already claimed multiple lives, left dozens severely injured, and trapped several residents inside the burning structure. Lee extended deep condolences to the affected families and directed the Fire Services Department and Security Bureau to mobilize full manpower for rescue, firefighting, and medical coordination. He confirmed that the Social Welfare Department had deployed support teams to the site while the Hospital Authority activated its emergency response mechanism to handle the surge in casualties, ensuring every critical patient receives immediate medical attention.
Heartbreak intensified across the city as authorities confirmed the death of 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who collapsed while battling the inferno inside Wang Fuk Court. Despite being rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital, Ho succumbed to his injuries at 16:41 local time.
Fire Services Director Andy Yeung praised Ho as a model officer whose courage and dedication defined his nine years of service. He described the fallen firefighter as a man who placed duty above personal safety, embodying the spirit of selfless public service. Yeung expressed profound condolences to Ho’s grieving family, noting that the entire department was “deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted and gallant comrade,” and reaffirmed support for his loved ones during this tragic period.
The massive fire triggered widespread transport disruptions across the Tai Po region as the Transport Department enforced urgent road closures to maintain access for emergency vehicles. More than 30 bus routes were diverted, forcing commuters into lengthy detours and crowding at major junctions. Authorities said they were closely monitoring real-time traffic conditions to prevent bottlenecks and ensure rescue teams could move swiftly as the blaze showed no signs of weakening late into the night.
The fire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a sprawling residential complex with nearly 2,000 units housing over 4,600 residents, escalated rapidly into a No. 5 alarm blaze, Hong Kong’s highest fire alert level. The building’s bamboo scaffolding installed for ongoing renovation work acted as a fuel source, complicating containment as flames leapt across multiple floors. Officials confirmed at least four deaths, including a firefighter, with three critically injured, one seriously injured, and one in stable condition. Reports indicate that at least 13 residents remain trapped, as shared by former district councilor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho, prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings. Authorities have also activated a casualty hotline and arranged temporary shelters for displaced residents. Firefighters continued battling extreme heat and dense smoke as the situation remained volatile.
Despite nonstop rescue operations, several critical uncertainties linger. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, the exact number of residents still trapped, and whether additional casualties may be found as teams reach deeper into the building’s most inaccessible sections. The duration needed to fully extinguish the raging inferno also remains unknown. Emergency responders are expected to continue working through the night as Hong Kong confronts what may become one of the most devastating residential fires in its recent history.