Hong Kong fire: Death toll from massive blaze rises again
Written by Ben Laidler on 27th November 2025
The flames have mostly been brought under control, however the fire still burns in some areas of Hong Kong.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday morning, has been blazing at Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district of Hong Kong for more than 24 hours.
The fire began at 2:51pm local time (6:51am GMT).
Hong Kong’s leader John Lee has said 279 remain missing and 45 are currently in critical condition.
The death toll continued to rise this morning from 44 to 55. This rise confirms the deadliest fire in Hong Kong for over 60 years.
The blaze was quickly whipped up in intensity after starting on easily burning bamboo scaffolding and safety nets, allowing it to spread into the first tower then to the 7 other towers that make up Wang Fuk Court.
Location of Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong.
900 of over 4,800 residents have been evacuated to emergency shelters. Over one third of those residing at Wang Fuk Court are elderly.
Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter according to local news broadcaster RTHK.
International leaders including UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chinese President Xi Jinping have expressed condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives.
The Foreign Secretary called the fire “truly devastating” and says the UK “sends heartfelt condolences to all the families affected.”
President Xi Jinping has also expressed condolences to a firefighter who died tackling the blaze and the wider community of families affected.
China has also confirmed the military will safeguard Hong Kong and provide assistance to emergency services in the Tai Po District tackling the fire.
A group of survivors of the 2017 Grenfell fire in London also released a statement “We are thinking of every family waiting for news, mourning loved ones, or holding onto hope for those still missing.”
