Residents across Hong Kong’s Tai Po district are reeling in shock after a catastrophic fire ripped through the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing estate, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.
Student Thomas Liu, who rushed to the scene, described the intense heat and heavy, choking smoke as the fire consumed block after block. At least 36 people have been confirmed dead, and with hundreds still unaccounted for, authorities fear the toll will rise further. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Thomas said, recalling the moment he watched emergency workers carry away a body. Local councillor Mui Siu-fung added that countless residents had been frantically calling or messaging, desperate for news of missing family members.
More than 1,000 residents were forced to flee, with many being relocated to temporary shelters set up by officials. Police also evacuated nearby buildings as flames shot out from windows and entire floors burned silently before stunned onlookers.
neighboringHarry Cheung, a longtime resident of block two who has lived there for over 40 years, said he heard a deafening boom before seeing flames burst from a neighbouring tower.
“I just grabbed whatever I could,” the 66-year-old said. “I don’t even know what I’m feeling. I just need to figure out where I’ll sleep tonight.”
Ms. Kam, who lives in the nearby Kwong Fuk Estate, told the SCMP that while some of her friends had been located safely, others—including one who regularly naps in the afternoon—remain unreachable.
neighbors…Jason Kong, 65, said he received a call from a neighbor who was still trapped inside as the fire spread uncontrollably.
“I’m devastated,” he said. “So many friends, so many neighbours… everything is burning. I don’t know what to do. I just hope the government will help us rebuild our lives.”
erupted butAnother elderly resident told the BBC she wasn’t home when the fire erupted, but fears returning to her apartment—especially since it isn’t insured.
Officials say the fire is being gradually contained, but they cannot confirm when it will be fully extinguished.
#HongKongFire #WangFukCourt #TaiPoDistrict #HongKongUpdates #FireDisaster #CommunityTragedy
