13 people, including firefighters, died in the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong

At least 13 people were killed and others trapped inside when a fire ripped through several high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday.

Hong Kong Fire Service Department He said received The fire at Wang Fook Court in Tai Po, Northern New Territories, was reported around 2:50 p.m.

By 6:22 p.m. the fire was upgraded to a No. 5 alarm, the most serious fire alarm rating in Hong Kong.

In a government statement, Department said Nine people were taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.

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Bamboo scaffolding engulfs several buildings in the Wang Fook Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong on November 26, 2025. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Four people have died and three are in critical condition. Another was in critical condition and one was in stable condition.

Tang Ping-keung, Security Secretary of Hong Kong, A fireman said Died of injuries while fighting the fire.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Mr Ho, who lost his life during an operation. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family members,” Tang said.

Firefighters battle flames engulfing bamboo scaffolding in several buildings at the Wang Fook Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong on November 26, 2025. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Photos from the scene showed Bamboo scaffolding The towers are engulfed in flames and thick, dark smoke billows from several floors.

fire extinguisher Firefighters were working, and a man photographed in visible distress said his wife was trapped inside.

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Wong, 71, reacted after he claimed his wife Wang Fook was caught in court during a massive fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong on November 26, 2025. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Chan Kwong-tak, 83, lives in a retirement community. told the South China Morning Post The fire alarm failed to go off when the fire broke out even though the building was equipped.

“If anyone sleeps, it’s done,” he said.

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Former Tai Po district councilor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho also told the outlet that residents reported that they could not hear the fire alarm even though they knew the fire had broken out. smell of smoke. They said they were only alerted when a security guard knocked on their doors and gave them some time to get out.

The Tai Po District Office opened temporary shelters for people in need at Kwong Phuc Community Hall and Tung Cheong Street Community Hall.