Deadliest blaze in decades forces Hong Kong to pause public life

27 November 2025 , 15:09

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Deadliest blaze in decades forces Hong Kong to pause public life

The fire, which began just before 3pm and quickly swept through the bamboo-scaffolded Wang Fuk Court complex, plunged Hong Kong into mourning. In response, leader John Lee has cancelled or postponed all major citywide events.

Police say unsafe scaffolding and foam materials used during maintenance may have fuelled the fire’s swift spread, which has killed at least 75 people, left more than 250 missing and injured 76 others, including 11 firefighters.

Emergency crews are still struggling to reach upper floors because of intense heat and smoke, with four of the estate’s eight towers severely affected.

 Flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast, memorial services are being arranged, and major events – from this week’s harbour light show to an upcoming cycling marathon – have been cancelled, while authorities warn the tragedy could even impact the 7 December Legislative Council elections.

John Lee said that 279 people were initially unaccounted for, though firefighters have since managed to contact some, and more than 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters overnight.

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief