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A devastating fire erupted on Wednesday, sweeping through several high-rise residential towers in a large estate in Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals. Local media have suggested that many more people might still be trapped amid the inferno.
Reports indicate that over 700 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blaze at Wang Fuk Court, a complex that is home to approximately 4,600 residents.
The Wang Fuk Court estate is comprised of eight towers, each standing 31 stories tall. The fire initially ignited on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several apartment buildings within the estate located in Tai Po, a district situated in the northern section of Hong Kong’s financial hub, according to AFP.
Firefighters tackle a fire engulfing residential buildings at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, China, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. A major fire has engulfed an eight-tower, high-rise complex in Hong Kong, killing at least 15 people. (Yik Yeung-man/Bloomberg via Getty)
A correspondent from the news agency reported hearing loud cracking noises, likely from the burning bamboo structures, while observing dense smoke rising from at least five of the estate’s eight buildings. The scene was marked by towering flames and swirling ash against the skyline.
A reporter from the outlet heard loud cracking sounds, possibly from the burning bamboo, and saw thick plumes of smoke billowing from at least five out of the estate’s eight buildings as flames and ash reached high into the sky.
“There’s nothing that can be done about the property. We can only hope that everyone, no matter old or young, can return safely,” a Tai Po resident surnamed So, 57, told AFP near the scene of the fire.
Thick smoke and flames rise as fire engulfs high-rise residential buildings at the Wang Fuk Court complex on November 26, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. At least 15 people are dead and dozens of others injured as a major fire engulfed a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on November 26. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
“It’s heartbreaking. We’re worried there are people trapped inside.”