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Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in 77 Years Claims 83 Lives, 280 Missing

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Hong Kong, Tai Po
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • 589

A massive blaze that tore through an eight-tower residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has now been confirmed as the deadliest fire the city has witnessed in over seven decades, leaving 83 dead, 76 critically injured, and 280 residents still unaccounted for. Even after 24 hours of continuous operations, firefighters were able to bring only five of the eight towers under control, while flames continued to engulf the upper floors of the remaining three.

The sprawling complex—comprising eight 35-storey buildings with nearly 2,000 apartments—was home to thousands of residents, many of them elderly. The scale, density, and vertical nature of the structure turned the fire into a towering inferno, with temperatures on several floors so extreme that firefighters could not reach them. One firefighter tragically lost his life during the rescue operations.

Styrofoam, Plastic Netting, Not Bamboo Alone: Experts Identify Accelerants

Initial investigations have revealed that the Styrofoam used to cover elevator windows acted as a major accelerant, causing the fire to spread rapidly from floor to floor. Police have arrested three people, including the contractor responsible for the renovation materials.

Although bamboo scaffolding used for exterior repairs was blamed early on, experts contest the claim.
Architect Raffaella Andrizzi of the Chinese University of Hong Kong explained:

“Bamboo has natural moisture content and doesn’t ignite easily. Even when dry, it burns far more slowly than the plastic nets and other synthetic materials used at the site.”

Members of the Bamboo Scaffolding Association also noted that even in burned sections, bamboo was still visible and mostly uncharred—suggesting that plastic netting and Styrofoam were primarily responsible.

Government Pushes for Steel Scaffolding

In response to the tragedy, Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan renewed the government’s stance on replacing bamboo with steel scaffolding, stating:

“Bamboo is flexible, but steel is more resistant to fire.”

This echoes a regulation introduced in March 2025, mandating that at least 50% of scaffolding in government projects must be metal-based.

High Winds, Burning Debris, and Closed Windows Intensified Losses

Strong winds carried flaming debris across buildings, enabling the fire to leap from tower to tower. Many residents were asleep or unaware of the danger because their windows were sealed for ongoing renovation works, trapping them inside.

A significant number of victims were elderly residents, many unable to evacuate quickly. Authorities are still trying to determine the exact number of missing individuals.

Condolences Pour In from World Leaders

Hong Kong leader John Lee has ordered immediate inspection of all public housing complexes across the city.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent condolences and urged authorities to “exert all efforts” to mitigate further damage.

Leaders from Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, and the United States have expressed solidarity. Corporations have also joined relief efforts—McDonald’s announced 1,000 free food packages for affected families and rescue workers.

Human Tragedy at the Scene

Outside a temporary shelter, the grief was overwhelming. A woman, sobbing uncontrollably, said her young son—born “after much difficulty”—had perished in the fire. She had also lost contact with her parents-in-law. Firefighters informed her that a child and an adult were found inside her apartment, both deceased.

Her cry, “What should I do? My child is gone…” captured the despair of hundreds of families awaiting news.

Historical Context: Hong Kong’s Worst Fires

This catastrophe is being described as the city’s deadliest fire since:

  • Happy Valley Racecourse Fire (February 27, 1918): Over 600 deaths after the grandstand collapsed in flames.

  • Wing On Warehouse Fire (September 22, 1948): An explosion-triggered blaze killed 176 and injured 69.

Both incidents remain etched in Hong Kong’s memory—and the Tai Po fire will now join this tragic list.