Hong Kong's Deadliest Fire in Decades: 128 Dead, 200 Still Missing

Hong Kong's Deadliest Fire in Decades: 128 Dead, 200 Still Missing

A Terrible Disaster Strikes Hong Kong

A devastating fire swept through a large apartment building complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po neighborhood on November 27, 2025. The fire started around 3 p.m. at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate where about 4,600 people live in eight tall buildings. The fire started in one building but quickly spread to seven others, helped by strong winds and possibly unsafe building materials. Firefighters fought the flames for over 42 hours before finally putting it out early on November 28.

The Tragic Death Toll

As of November 28, at least 128 people have died—making this Hong Kong's worst fire disaster since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse fire. Most victims were found in two towers. Among the dead are families and domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines—two Indonesian workers are confirmed dead, and 19 Filipino workers are still missing. At least 79 people were injured, and around 200 people are still unaccounted for. Families are waiting desperately at community centers, hoping for news about their loved ones.

What Went Wrong?

Rescue teams have finished searching the buildings, but officials say the death toll could still rise. Early investigations show that fire alarms were broken and didn't work properly, which trapped people on the upper floors. Police have arrested three people on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence. Investigators are trying to understand why the fire spread so quickly—similar to what happened at London's Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Surprisingly, the building complex had just passed a safety inspection a few days before the fire.

Help for Survivors

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, announced $39 million in aid for survivors and $25,700 payments to families of those who died. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his condolences and asked officials to give full support. Many people who lost their homes are now sleeping in shopping malls or emergency shelters. They're asking how this could happen in Hong Kong, a city famous for having strict building safety rules.

A City in Shock

This tragedy has deeply shaken Hong Kong, a crowded city of 7.5 million people. It shows the dangers of old high-rise buildings and the urgent need for better safety inspections. Our hearts go out to everyone who lost loved ones, and we hope those still missing will be found safe.