How the Hong Kong Fire Unfolded: A Visual Guide
The fire happened in Tai Po – a suburban district in the New Territories region of Hong Kong. Fire raced through 31-storey towers connected by bamboo scaffolding, leaving more than 100 dead and hundreds missing.
More than 100 people have died in a massive fire that burned for several days in Tai Po – a suburban district in the New Territories region of Hong Kong.Hong Kong. The blaze tore through a cluster of 31-storey residential towers, home to thousands of residents. Many survivors remain in critical condition, and about 200 people are still missing.
When the Fire Started
The fire began at 2.52pm local time (06.52 GMT) on Wednesday. It broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a densely populated residential complex in Tai Po, located in the northern New Territories.
How the Blaze Spread So Fast
The towers were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, a common construction feature in Hong Kong. The dry bamboo acted as fuel. Strong winds pushed the flames from one block to another. Within minutes, smoke filled the upper floors.
Families inside the buildings struggled to escape. Narrow corridors slowed their movement. Many residents could not reach the stairwells as fire spread vertically and horizontally.
What Authorities Faced
Firefighters fought the blaze for hours in extreme heat. They rescued people from windows, rooftops, and staircases. But the height of the towers and the fast-moving flames made rescue operations difficult.
Smoke reduced visibility. Falling debris and burning scaffolding blocked several entry points. Emergency teams worked through the night as the fire continued to spread between connected blocks.
The Human Impact
The fire has become one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential disasters in recent decades. Many victims are families who lived in small flats. Some survivors escaped with burns and smoke injuries. Hospitals in the New Territories reported a surge of critical cases.
Officials say the number of missing people may rise as they search damaged floors and collapsed sections.
What Happens Next
Authorities are investigating how the fire started. They are also examining the role of bamboo scaffolding and whether safety rules were followed. The government has promised support for displaced families and temporary housing for those who lost their homes.
As rescue teams continue their search, Hong Kong is grappling with the scale of the tragedy — a disaster that spread with astonishing speed through some of the city’s most crowded tower blocks.
Prerna Varshney is a journalist and social commentator with over five years of experience in health, gender, and policy reporting. Her work reflects a deep commitment to truth and empathy, simplifying complex issues for everyday readers.
