Tai Po fire touches RCHK community

By Raymond Fung and Darius Chau

On November 26th 2025, a fierce fire broke out in Tai Po, Hong Kong. It triggered a massive emergency response, drawing the attention of nearby residents across the district. The death toll is still being reported—as of 7:00 AM, November 27, there are at least 44 dead, 56 injured and 279 missing.

The incident started at around 2:51 pm at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex on Kwong Fuk Road near Tai Po Waterfront Park, next to the cycling path connecting Heng On and Science Park to Tai Po. Over 800 firefighters and paramedics have been deployed since. The fire department escalated the incident to a Number 5 Alarm Fire—it appears to be one of the most deadly accidents in Hong Kong since World War II.

The impact was immediately felt by members of the RCHK family in the area. Around 10:15 PM on the same day, Year 13 student Aaron Lau witnessed another fire erupt near Tai Po Market station, near Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School. He immediately called emergency services, and multiple fire trucks were deployed to put out the fire safely. “The part that scared me the most was when the the two initial blocks that caught on fire spread past the block that the fire fighters had under control. I have it on video where within 12 seconds the scaffolding fire went from 4th floor to the top of the building.”

Picture of the second fire. Credits: Aaron Lau

This second fire, though short-lived, evoked anxieties within many. One Year 13 student Athan Wong said: “I was really worried about my grandparents, who live right at the Tai Po Market MTR station, after hearing about the [second fire]. Thankfully, it was put out quickly, but the same can’t be said for the [main fire]. My deepest condolences go out to all the victims, their families and the valiant firefighters who passed away saving lives as we speak.”

“The fire was first visible when I was returning home from the Tai Po market MTR station—it was the most lucid, destructive flame I'd seen, engulfing multiple buildings with debris spewing out of the wall. The nearby bridge was completely overcrowded with spectators filming the destruction, while the roads were packed with fire trucks.” Athan noted. “I suppose what shocked me was the proximity. It’s unbelievable to see this level of devastation occurring next door—Tai Po is my home and it's horrible watching it collapse.”

Year 13 student Ryan Ng noted that “there was still lots of smoke in the morning, visible even across the river, while [he] was cycling to school.”

Three men aged between 52 to 58 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. They are from a construction firm—two are directors and one is an engineering consultant. According to the police department, there was flammable mesh and styrofoam found on the outside of the buildings. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The fire department’s deputy director Derek Armstrong Chan, quote: “In the hours of darkness, it will pose additional danger and difficulties to our operation, and up to this moment, the temperature inside the fire scene is still very high. So, we have difficulties proceeding to the upper floors of two of the buildings.” He remarked that he anticipated firefighting to last until it stopped. John Lee, Hong Kong’s Chief-executive, stated that the fire was “a major disaster”.

Responding to the evacuation needs involving Kwong Fuk Estate, staff members of the Housing Department and the management company of the estate concerned have provided assistance to residents. The Housing Bureau and the Housing Department are maintaining contact with the Homeland Affairs Department and the Social Welfare Department to provide their fullest attention to the affected residents. The department has arranged for hundreds of residents who have been evacuated to be allocated temporary accommodations and emergency housing units.

The significance of the tragedy is still emerging. This is a developing story.

References:

https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/27/tai-po-fire-44-dead-279-missing-as-firefighters-continue-to-battle-blaze-3-arrested-on-suspicion-of-manslaughter/

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833502-20251127.htm

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/hong-kong-44-dead-fire-engulfs-residential-building-bamboo-scaffolding-5491211