At least 13 people died and 15 others were injured after fire ripped through numerous blocks of a Tai Po housing estate on Wednesday, authorities said.

The blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which began shortly before 3pm, was upgraded to a No. 5 alarm at 6.22pm.

One of those killed was a 37-year-old firefighter.

Director of fire services Andy Yeung offered his condolences to his family and pledged to provide them with the necessary assistance.

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.

The estate, with its eight blocks and around 2,000 flats, was under renovation and bamboo scaffolding outside multiple towers caught fire.

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.

Police also set up a casualty hotline on 1878 999.
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Last updated: 2025-11-26 HKT 20:34