Author: Cheung Wai-Man

A devastating five-alarm fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has resulted in multiple fatalities, leaving numerous families in agonizing suspense as they search for loved ones reported missing since the blaze erupted on November 26. The tragedy highlights critical challenges in urban disaster response and reunification efforts.

The inferno, centered in Wang Tai House, has particularly impacted the family of 16-year-old student Lai Hoi-ki. Lai, along with her grandmother and uncle, both in their seventies, and her younger brother were residents of Flat 1605 and have been unreachable since the incident. Mr. Leung, Lai’s boyfriend, confirmed she had returned home after completing an academic examination on the day the fire started.

Timeline of Terror in Flat 1605

Through preserved digital communications, a chilling timeline of the fire’s progression within the building has emerged. Shortly after 3 p.m., Lai messaged family relatives via WhatsApp. The intensity of the situation escalated rapidly:

• 3:08 p.m.: Lai wrote to relatives, confirming that the adjacent apartment unit was ablaze.
• 3:15 p.m.: She messaged again, stating the flames had aggressively migrated into her family’s residence.
• 3:23 p.m.: The final transmission received from Lai was a desperate text: “It’s so hard,” before all contact ceased.

Fortunately, the grandfather, who also lives in the apartment, managed to survive the conflagration. He was reportedly on the ground level when the emergency unfolded and was later safely located by family members that evening.

Desperate Appeals Overrule Traditional Channels

In the hours following the catastrophic event, both Mr. Leung and Lai’s brother desperately attempted to obtain updates from emergency services. They contacted the fire services hotline but reported receiving repeated callbacks solely to confirm the apartment’s address and location, with no substantive information regarding the missing residents.

Exhausting traditional search avenues, the affected family has since undertaken a harrowing, decentralized search effort. They have scoured local community centers and hospitals across the district in hopes of finding their relatives. The search also led them to the Tai Po site, where police and fire department officials had displayed operational photographs of the recovered deceased for identification purposes—a grim but necessary step in disaster management. As of now, the missing individuals have not been located among the confirmed casualties or recognized among the injured.

Frustrated by the lack of definitive information, the surviving family members have turned to social media platforms, including Threads, and have actively sought media assistance to broadcast their appeals. This move underscores the critical role digital platforms often play in immediate disaster identification and reunification efforts when centralized systems are overwhelmed.

Urgent Need for Coordinated Disaster Response

The ongoing confusion and lack of timely information for families like Lai’s highlights the urgent need for robust, coordinated missing persons protocols during major urban disasters. Future steps must include establishing more effective communication channels beyond initial verification calls to provide continuous updates to next-of-kin. Authorities are focused on identifying all remains and ensuring that affected families receive psychological support and actionable information. The human toll of the Wang Fuk Court fire continues to mount, demanding both meticulous investigation and compassionate, expedited relief.

A catastrophic five-alarm fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, tragically claimed the life of a dedicated firefighter this week, shattering his personal dreams and prompting an outpouring of collective grief. Among the casualties and injured resulting from the inferno was 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, a nine-year veteran of the Fire Services Department, who succumbed to his injuries while performing his duties. Ho, stationed at the Sha Tin Fire Station, was discovered with facial burns on the ground floor of Wang Cheong House and pronounced dead upon arrival at Prince of Wales Hospital at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. The tragedy has been labeled one of the city’s most devastating in decades, intensifying ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

A Personal Tragedy Amidst Public Service

Ho’s sacrifice is deeply compounded by a profound personal loss: he and his long-time girlfriend were scheduled to be married next month. The couple, who had shared nearly a decade together, frequently documented their life and travels on social media. One poignant image, widely shared, featured Ho in his firefighting uniform embracing his partner, accompanied by a heartfelt declaration of love and devotion.

Following the devastating news, Ho’s fiancée posted an emotionally raw message on social media platform Threads, expressing her inability to process the loss. Referring to Ho as her “superhero” and “pride,” she wrote, “My superhero has completed his mission and returned to Krypton. I really, really want to hold your hand again.” This powerful statement resonated immediately across the territory, articulating the immense pain felt by those closest to the fallen hero.

City Salutes a Dedicated Servant

The community response has been overwhelming. Condolence messages flooded Ho’s Instagram profile, honoring his memory and service to Hong Kong. Users universally hailed him as a hero, using phrases like “RIP, you are a hero of Hong Kong” and “Thank you for your service.” Beyond honoring Ho, many users directed messages of support toward his grieving partner, acknowledging that while nothing could truly alleviate her suffering, she should find strength amidst the public’s sympathy.

The circumstances surrounding the Wang Fuk Court fire remain under intense scrutiny as authorities continue to ascertain the full count of casualties. The extensive nature of the blaze necessitated a full-scale rescue operation that is still ongoing, highlighting the extreme danger faced by first responders like Ho Wai-ho.

Honoring Sacrifice and Commitment

Ho’s death serves as a somber reminder of the immense risks inherent in firefighting and the commitment demanded by public safety roles. The Fire Services Department has yet to release a formal statement regarding memorial arrangements, but local representatives have confirmed his central role in the efforts to contain what proved to be a highly unpredictable and dangerous situation. As Hong Kong processes this loss, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring that the dedication of individuals like Ho Wai-ho is permanently etched into the city’s memory. The incident underscores the urgent need for robust safety protocols and continuous support for those who run toward danger to protect others.

Following the tragic, multi-casualty No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong Labour Department (LD) is launching a comprehensive, territory-wide enforcement operation focused on enhancing fire safety and emergency preparedness across construction sites. Beginning Friday, the two-week initiative will specifically target building maintenance projects utilizing large-scale scaffolding, aiming to prevent similar catastrophic incidents and protect workers.

The LD expressed profound concern and sorrow regarding the casualties stemming from the Wednesday blaze, extending deep sympathies to the affected families and the injured. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the department initiated the specialized enforcement drive to scrutinize high-risk areas within the construction sector.

Focus on Scaffolding and Fire-Retardant Standards

During the special operation, inspectors will rigorously examine fire protection facilities and emergency readiness protocols on active construction sites. A critical focus will be placed on the materials used for protective screens, commonly known as scaffold nets. Inspectors will verify that these materials adhere to recognized fire-retardant standards designed to safeguard both the site and surrounding properties.

Furthermore, the LD announced a collaborative effort with the Buildings Department (BD) to inspect structures undergoing major external wall repairs that involve extensive bamboo scaffolding. This joint inspection aims to ensure the installed scaffold netting aligns fully with relevant Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes governing material safety and application.

Zero Tolerance for Safety Breaches

Occupational safety officers are prepared to take immediate and robust enforcement action upon discovering legislative breaches. This includes issuing suspension and improvement notices, and pursuing prosecutions without prior warning to effectively deter unsafe practices. The LD stressed a zero-tolerance approach toward contractors prioritizing speed over safety.

Amid persistently dry weather conditions, which significantly heighten fire risks, the LD issued a stern warning to all contractors. They emphasized the immediate need to bolster fire safety management, particularly concerning bamboo scaffolding, and insisted that all materials used on sites meet strict fire safety criteria. Regular debris clearance is mandatory, and smoking on construction sites remains strictly prohibited.

For hot work activities, such as welding and flame cutting, which inherently generate sparks, contractors must strictly adhere to comprehensive safety protocol derived from thorough risk assessments. Crucially, sites must be equipped with sufficient and effective firefighting equipment strategically positioned for immediate deployment.

Contractors are strongly urged to proactively reinforce their fire safety management systems to prevent recurrence of incidents like the Tai Po tragedy, thereby protecting both their operations and their workforce.

Support for Affected Employees

In related guidance, the Labour Department appealed to employers to show consideration for staff whose work schedules or well-being have been disrupted by the Tai Po incident. Employers are encouraged to offer flexible work arrangements where feasible to support affected personnel during this difficult time. For inquiries related to employment matters arising from the disruption, employers and employees can contact the dedicated LD hotline at 2929 4054. The enhanced enforcement effort underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to raising industrial safety standards and protecting its urban landscape from preventable disasters.

A devastating fire tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on Thursday, resulting in the loss of 75 lives, including a firefighter, and injuring 76 others, marking the city’s deadliest residential blaze in decades. The comprehensive disaster response involved a massive turnout from the Fire Services Department (FSD), while government operations shifted immediately to relief and recovery efforts. Officials are now bracing for an extensive inquiry following reports of crucial fire safety system failures and prior warnings issued to the building’s renovation contractor.

Immediate Aftermath and Casualty Count

The tragedy unfolded at Wang Fuk Court, where the FSD reported receiving 346 calls for assistance. As of the late Thursday evening tally, 75 fatalities were confirmed. The sheer scale of the incident was evidenced by the Hospital Authority’s report indicating 12 victims remained in critical condition and 28 were serious, while 16 were stable and 21 had been discharged. Tragically, 61 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with four others succumbing to injuries after transfer to hospitals.

The fire fighting efforts were equally harrowing, with 11 Fire Services personnel treated for injuries. Search-and-rescue operations continued late into the evening, with aerial ladders deployed to douse visible flames in some remaining residential units.

Government Shifts Focus to Mourning and Recovery

In response to the catastrophe, the Hong Kong Government immediately scaled back public operations. All non-essential government celebrations and engagements have been either canceled or postponed.

Planned Mourning Activities:

• Flags at Half-Mast: Public buildings will fly flags at half-mast.
• Memorial Service: A public memorial service is being planned.
• Condolence Books: Condolence books will be arranged for community tributes.

To aid affected residents who lost documentation, the Immigration Department established a temporary service post at CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School to process replacement identity documents.

The Labour Department extended condolences to families and particularly highlighted the death of a foreign domestic worker, offering sympathies to their family and employer. The department also activated dedicated hotlines (3582 8987 or 2929 4054) to address employment-related concerns for affected domestic workers and their employers.

Prior Safety Warnings Surface

The intensity and significant loss of life in the blaze have brought scrutiny upon safety protocols at the estate. Residents reported that fire alarms reportedly failed to sound, potentially hindering evacuation efforts. Furthermore, structural engineers have voiced concerns that units extensively gutted by the inferno may be rendered uninhabitable.

Compounding these concerns, reports indicate that the Labour Department had cautioned the renovation contractor responsible for works at Wang Fuk Court regarding potential fire hazards just days prior to the tragedy. Officials confirmed they reminded the contractor to implement sufficient fire safety measures following recent inspections.

Since July of the previous year, the Labour Department had conducted 16 site inspections at Wang Fuk Court, with the most recent visit occurring on November 20. While these inspections included checks on scaffolding safety, officials noted that inspections had previously identified “unsafe conditions for working at height,” resulting in three official warnings being issued. This revelation is expected to form a central focus of the impending investigation into the cause of the disaster.

The immediate priorities for authorities remain supporting the bereaved, treating the injured, and conducting a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.

Japanese beverage giant Asahi Group Holdings recently disclosed that a sophisticated cyberattack, first detected in late September, likely compromised the personal data of approximately two million customers and staff. Following an extensive internal investigation, the Tokyo-based food and beverage conglomerate revealed that the breach involved unauthorized access to its data center network through integrated network equipment at a subsidiary’s site. Details potentially exposed include sensitive information such as names, contact details, addresses, and gender identifications, prompting the company to report the findings immediately to Japan’s Personal Information Protection Commission.

Breach Reveals Security Vulnerabilities

The attack, which targeted Asahi’s domestic servers on September 29, created widespread operational disruption across the group. During a press conference detailing the incident, Asahi President Atsushi Katsuki openly acknowledged deficiencies in the company’s cybersecurity protocols, stating a profound sense of managerial accountability for the failure. The breach has necessitated significant manual processing of essential business functions.

The unauthorized entry point utilized network equipment linked to a group company, allowing attackers to access the central data repository. This type of entry highlights the increasingly complex challenge of securing sprawling corporate networks, where vulnerabilities at one node can expose the entire system.

Immediate and Long-Term Impact

The operational fallout from the security incident has been substantial. Orders and shipments, forced into manual processing immediately following the breach, are projected to transition back to restored automated systems starting in December. However, a full return to normal logistics operations is not anticipated until February, indicating the complexity of rebuilding and securing compromised IT infrastructure.

Furthermore, the significant systems disruption caused by the attack compelled Asahi to postpone the announcement of its financial results for the January through September period. These results were originally scheduled for release on November 12.

For individuals affected, the potential exposure of personal information—including names, residential addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses—underscores the need for immediate vigilance. Asahi customers and employees should closely monitor their accounts and communications for signs of phishing attempts or identity theft, common consequences following large data breaches.

Navigating Post-Breach Recovery

Asahi’s response involves both remediation and significant investment in future defense. Reporting the incident to the regulatory body is the first crucial step toward transparent resolution.

Organizations facing similar security incidents often undertake several key actions:

• Forensic Audit: Conducting a thorough analysis to understand the extent of the compromise and close all identified backdoors.
• System Hardening: Implementing stronger internal network segmentation and upgrading endpoint security across all subsidiaries.
• Communication: Providing timely and clear communication to affected parties about the risks and protective measures they should take.

This incident serves as a critical reminder for global enterprises, particularly those in the consumer goods sector, that cyber resilience is a fundamental component of operational stability. The financial and reputational costs associated with security shortcomings can quickly overshadow core business performance, requiring leaders to prioritize robust, integrated data protection strategies. The beverage giant now faces the dual task of restoring customer trust while aggressively enhancing its security posture to prevent future incursions.

China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed significant reservations this week regarding specific aspects of a reciprocal trade agreement recently negotiated between Malaysia and the United States, urging Kuala Lumpur to ensure the pact does not negatively impact global or regional commerce. The ministry confirmed its position Thursday in Beijing following high-level bilateral discussions, emphasizing that while it supports Malaysia’s pursuit of international trade accords, any agreement must uphold fair global trade practices and avoid infringing upon China’s economic interests.

The concerns emerged publicly in response to media inquiries, shortly after officials from China’s Ministry of Commerce engaged with delegates from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) during meetings held in Beijing on November 25. During these exchanges, Chinese officials reportedly pressed Malaysia to consider the nation’s long-term strategic interests and handle the delicate trade balancing act with prudence.

Bilateral Talks Address Specific Concerns

A spokesperson for the Chinese commerce ministry indicated that the dialogue provided a platform for Malaysia to directly address Beijing’s anxieties. Kuala Lumpur provided detailed clarifications regarding elements of the U.S. agreement that had raised questions in Beijing. Crucially, the Malaysian delegation reportedly reaffirmed the critical importance of its long-standing and robust economic partnership with China.

Malaysia stressed its commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relationship and expressed a willingness to deepen trade and investment collaboration with Beijing further, signaling an attempt to reassure China that the new U.S. pact would not come at the expense of their established ties.

Regional Implications of New Trade Pacts

This development underscores the complex geopolitical pressures facing Southeast Asian nations as they navigate increasing economic competition between major global powers. Malaysia, a key trading nation, is attempting to diversify its trade portfolio while maintaining strong relationships with both the United States and China. China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner, making Beijing’s reaction to the U.S. deal particularly significant.

Beijing’s intervention highlights a broader regional trend where new bilateral or multilateral trade agreements are scrutinized for their potential impact on existing supply chains and regional economic stability. The core of China’s objection centers on whether the language or provisions within the U.S.-Malaysia agreement might favor U.S. businesses or set discriminatory standards that could disadvantage Chinese firms operating in Malaysia or regional markets.

Looking Ahead

The reciprocal trade agreement between Malaysia and the U.S. is designed to enhance economic cooperation, reduce trade barriers, and establish common standards across various sectors, including technology and sustainability. While China typically welcomes efforts to liberalize trade, the official statement serves as a clear warning about setting precedents that could be perceived as undermining regional cohesiveness or shifting the economic balance of power.

Malaysia’s commitment to further deepen ties with China, even while concluding trade deals with the U.S., suggests an ongoing, careful process of diplomatic and economic balancing. Future actions will require Kuala Lumpur to delicately manage these two critical relationships to ensure sustained prosperity and regional stability. This situation sets the stage for further diplomatic engagement as both nations work to reconcile their respective economic strategies.

Officials representing the Central People’s Government in Beijing offered sympathy and support to victims and frontline medical staff at Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong following the recent devastating fire in Tai Po. On November 27, 2025, Zhuo Ji, Director of the Liaison Office, accompanied by Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, visited the facility to assess the treatment of injured patients and offer condolences, underscoring the Central Government’s concern for the affected community and Hong Kong’s healthcare workers.

The visit served as a significant gesture of solidarity, directly connecting Beijing’s leadership with the immediate humanitarian fallout of the disaster. During their time at the hospital, Mr. Zhuo and Mr. Nong toured the facilities where fire victims are receiving care, receiving detailed briefings on their current conditions, recovery projections, and the comprehensive medical attention required.

Expressing High-Level Concern

The officials relayed the profound concern and heartfelt condolences of a high-ranking Central Government figure, Xia Baolong, who serves as Director of both the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. They personally wished those injured a rapid and complete recovery, encouraging them to remain resilient during the challenging period ahead.

Henry Fan, Chairman of the Hospital Authority, publicly acknowledged and thanked the delegation not only for their presence but specifically for conveying the sympathies of President Xi Jinping to the families of both the deceased and the injured.

Fan emphasized the critical importance of this backing, stating, “We are deeply thankful to Director Zhuo and Deputy Director Nong for conveying President Xi Jinping’s concern and heartfelt condolences… We also appreciate the Central Government’s strong support for Hong Kong’s disaster relief efforts.”

Commitment to Recovery and Support

The officials’ itinerary included meetings with staff in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department. This interaction allowed the Central Government representatives to gain firsthand insight into the immediate and sustained efforts of frontline medical professionals following the emergency.

Mr. Fan assured the visiting delegation and the public that the Hospital Authority’s teams remain fully committed to the long-term process of healing and recovery. He reaffirmed the exhaustive efforts underway to support those affected, stating, “[Our] healthcare teams will do their utmost to treat all the injured and will spare no effort in supporting affected residents and their families to overcome hardship and recover from trauma.”

The Chairman also specifically thanked the Central Government for acknowledging the welfare of the healthcare professionals, whom he encouraged to maintain their dedication in providing comprehensive support to all patients and their families impacted by the fire.

The presence of senior Central Government figures at the Prince of Wales Hospital highlights the official priority placed on ensuring a robust recovery and coordinated relief response following the Tai Po tragedy. This visible demonstration of support signals continued central backing for Hong Kong’s efforts in crisis management, focusing on both immediate medical care and the long-term psychological and physical recovery of the affected population.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong has issued an urgent public health warning and recall targeting a specific batch of imported pistachio paste after laboratory tests detected excessive levels of aflatoxins, potent carcinogenic compounds. Consumers are strongly advised to immediately cease consumption of the affected product, Convivia Pure Pistachio Paste Deluxe 100%, which originated in Italy and was distributed locally via online platforms, including HKTVmall.

The alert stems from the CFS’s routine Food Surveillance Programme. A sample of the 200-gram paste, bearing a best-before date of February 17, 2027, was found to contain 15 micrograms of aflatoxin per kilogram. This measurement significantly exceeds the maximum permitted regulatory standard of 10 micrograms per kilogram mandated under Hong Kong’s Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap 132AF).

Aflatoxins, naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi, are classified by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic to humans. Exposure to these toxins, especially prolonged ingestion, is strongly linked to severe health risks, most notably liver cancer. Vulnerability is heightened among individuals who are also carriers of the Hepatitis B virus.

Following the discovery, the CFS immediately instructed the relevant local vendor and retailers, including the online platform’s supplier, UK Store, to halt all sales and remove the contaminated batch from circulation. A directed recall process is now underway, and affected businesses have complied. The CFS has urged any member of the public who purchased this specific product to discard it immediately. Consumers seeking information regarding the recall process may contact the recall hotline at 3145 6888 during office hours.

While health organizations like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives emphasize that there is no established safe level for aflatoxin exposure, they recommend keeping intake “as low as reasonably achievable.” This incident underscores the critical importance of vigilant food safety monitoring for imported products.

Minimizing Mycotoxin Risk

Pistachio products, along with peanuts and certain grains, are sometimes susceptible to aflatoxin contamination if storage or handling conditions are inadequate. To minimize general exposure to mycotoxins in their diet, consumers are encouraged to take proactive steps:

• Maintain Dietary Diversity: A balanced and varied diet minimizes overexposure from a single potentially contaminated source.
• Inspect Food Carefully: Avoid consuming any foods, particularly nuts, grains, or dried fruits, that show visible signs of mold, discoloration, or damage.
• Keep Food Dry: Ensure stored perishable items are kept in dry conditions to inhibit fungal growth.

The CFS has proactively notified the wider food trade about this incident and is conducting ongoing investigations to ensure the complete withdrawal of the implicated product and prevent further health risks. This swift regulatory action reinforces Hong Kong’s commitment to protecting public health through strict adherence to food safety standards.

Hong Kong health authorities are urgently appealing to parents to prioritize seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) for their children following a severe case involving a two-year-old girl battling serious complications from the flu. The incident, confirmed Thursday, highlights the persistent risk of seasonal influenza despite a recent dip in overall activity.

The young patient, previously in good health, developed severe symptoms, including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, starting Nov. 25. After initially being admitted to United Christian Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to shock and multi-organ failure. Laboratory results from a nasopharyngeal swab confirmed Influenza A (H3). The girl, who had not received the 2025/26 seasonal vaccine, is now in critical condition and is being transferred to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for life support and specialized management.

Rising Severity Despite Lower Activity

This severe case escalates the summer season total of pediatric influenza infections to 22, affecting children ranging from 11 months to 17 years old, and includes two fatalities. Disturbingly, since the launch of this year’s vaccination programs, 13 severe infections have been recorded. Of critical concern is the finding that only one of these 13 children had been vaccinated, and protection was insufficient as the dose was administered only four days before symptom onset. Full immunity generally requires approximately two weeks to develop post-vaccination.

Dr. Edwin Tsui, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, emphasized the concerning trend: “Severe pediatric cases are more frequent this season compared with last winter.” He noted that vaccination uptake among the most vulnerable group—children aged six months to under two years—remains dangerously low, hovering around 17 percent.

While overall influenza activity has eased since late October, it remains above baseline levels and could surge again as temperatures drop, potentially leading to an early winter outbreak.

Actionable Takeaways for Parents and Caregivers

Health experts stress that the best defense against severe disease is prompt vaccination. The recommendation covers all eligible individuals aged six months and older, barring specific contraindications.

• Prioritize Vaccination: Contact family doctors immediately to arrange SIV for children, especially those under two, and other household members.
• Monitor Symptoms Closely: Everyone, particularly children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions, should seek early medical consultation if fever and respiratory symptoms develop.
• Recognize Warning Signs: Parents must be vigilant, as children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Urgent Accident and Emergency evaluation is necessary if any red flags appear, including:
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Cyanotic (blue) lips
  • Chest pain or confusion
  • Persistent high fever or convulsions

Furthermore, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks in crowded settings. Anyone exhibiting respiratory symptoms, even mild ones, must wear a mask, consult a doctor promptly, and refrain from attending school or work to prevent community spread. Effective preventative measures are key to mitigating the risk of serious complications and lowering the burden on the city’s healthcare system as the winter season approaches.

HONG KONG — Fire Services Department officials provided a grim update Wednesday afternoon detailing ongoing rescue operations at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where a catastrophic No. 5 alarm fire has significantly impacted seven of the residential estate’s eight towers. By 8 p.m., the devastating incident had claimed at least 65 lives, triggering a massive mobilization of emergency resources aimed at containing the destructive blaze and preventing further loss of life.

The widespread inferno, initially reported earlier in the day, prompted one of the region’s largest recent fire responses, involving over 1,200 firefighters, 26 dedicated search-and-rescue teams, and 304 fire and rescue vehicle deployments. While four blocks have seen their fires completely extinguished and another three were brought under control, the sheer scale and complexity of the event have posed immense operational challenges to responders.

Escalating Casualties and Complex Operations

The fire caused widespread destruction, leading to a mounting casualty count. In addition to the confirmed fatalities, 81 individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment. Tragically, four of these patients succumbed to their injuries after admission, and 12 remain in critical condition. The sacrifices extend to the front lines, where one firefighter perished while executing rescue duties. Officials confirmed that of the 341 distress calls received across the affected blocks, 279 have been successfully addressed. No outstanding distress calls were reported in the four blocks where the fire has been confirmed as out.

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, crews faced significant obstacles. Around 5 p.m., firefighters battled numerous flare-ups and visible flames in multiple residential units, hindering containment efforts. Specialized teams, supported by eight aerial ladder platforms, focused on suppressing lingering hot spots to prevent reignition. Four dedicated drones were deployed to provide aerial monitoring for any renewed thermal activity. One firefighter required hospital treatment after becoming unwell during the intense operations.

Tactical Rescue Efforts Amid Heat Hazards

Commanders emphasized the tactical difficulties presented by the widespread fire, citing its exceptionally rapid spread and the extremely confined, complex conditions inside the residential structures. Rescue efforts required a sustained, floor-by-floor tactical search, necessitating forced entry into every apartment unit. Response teams adapted their strategy, deploying sizable crews—approximately eight to nine appliance shifts per level—due to the modest apartment floorplates.

Key operational challenges included navigating extreme internal heat, managing the structural risk posed by potentially collapsing scaffolding, and processing numerous simultaneous rescue requests across the expansive site. The multi-level tactical assault, described by officials as “vast in scope,” continued deep into the night, underscoring the department’s commitment to exhaustive search efforts.

“We will not abandon hopes of finding more survivors,” a department spokesperson stressed, noting that all resources are currently concentrated on rescue, with structural integrity assessments being conducted continually to ensure responder safety. One successful extraction involved an elderly male resident rescued from the 31st floor of Wang Tai House.

In the aftermath, while life-saving operations continue as the paramount priority, officials confirmed that an investigative task force has been immediately established. This team will focus on determining the fire’s origin, assessing the functional status of the building’s fire alarm systems, and investigating any potential breaches of fire safety protocols.