President Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences following a devastating fire that swept through a residential estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, claiming at least 13 lives, including a firefighter, and leaving many others injured.
The blaze erupted on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex of eight buildings currently under renovation. Seven of the 32-storey towers were engulfed in flames, with bamboo scaffolding contributing to hazardous conditions. Explosions and falling debris were reported as the fire escalated into the night, sending thick plumes of smoke visible across the New Territories.
Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for “all-out efforts” to extinguish the fire, rescue trapped residents, and minimise casualties and losses. He extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster.
The Hong Kong SAR government activated its emergency rescue mechanism, deploying 767 Fire Services Department personnel to the scene. The blaze was upgraded to a No. 4 alarm at 3:34 pm and further raised to No. 5—the second-highest level—by 6:22 pm as conditions worsened.
Among the dead was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who lost his life while battling the inferno. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his “deepest condolences” to Ho’s family and the families of other victims, pledging full support for rescue and recovery efforts. Temporary shelters and a secondary school have been opened to house evacuated residents, with food and water distributed to hundreds seeking refuge.
The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong has set up an emergency task force to coordinate with the SAR government. Xi urged relevant departments and local authorities to provide assistance and ensure comprehensive post-disaster support.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work to stabilise the situation and investigate the cause of the fire.
