At least four people died and another three were injured after fire ripped through numerous blocks of a Tai Po housing estate on Wednesday, authorities said.

Two of the casualties were said to be in a critical condition in hospital.

Police said that from around 3pm, they received multiple calls from people saying they were trapped inside Wang Cheong House, Wang Sun House and Wang Tai House in Wang Fuk Court.

The estate is under renovation and scaffolding outside the blocks was ablaze.

"​A fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po at 2.51pm today. The fire was upgraded to No. 3 alarm at 3.02pm, and to No. 4 alarm at 3.34pm," a government announcement said.

"As at 5pm, seven persons felt unwell and were sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment respectively, among which, four persons were certified dead, two persons are in critical condition and one person is in stable condition."

At least one firefighter was believed to be among the casualties.

Temporary shelters were opened at Kwong Fuk Community Hall and Tung Cheong Street Community Hall for residents affected by the fire, while those evacuated were also welcome to seek shelter at CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School.

Officials set up a help desk at Nethersole Hospital to offer assistance and deal with enquiries from the public. The help desk hotline is 2658 4040.
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Last updated: 2025-11-26 HKT 17:57