A devastating fire that swept through a public housing complex in Hong Kong has left 128 people dead, including a firefighter, while authorities confirm that 58 Filipinos are safe and accounted for in the tragedy.
Rescue Operations and Filipino Community Status
Firefighting, rescue and search operations were officially completed at 10:18 a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, according to officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed that as of 3 p.m. on November 28, 58 Filipinos are safe and accounted for following the massive blaze.
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration reported that 19 Filipinos were rescued from the fire that engulfed the residential building in Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, New Territories. OWWA in Central Visayas specifically confirmed that none of the 21 affected domestic workers were from their region.
However, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported concerning news that one overseas Filipino worker remains in intensive care at a local hospital, while another Filipino national is still missing. The Consulate continues to verify the status and location of 91 Filipinos registered at Wang Fuk Court.
Fire Impact and Emergency Response
The No. 5 alarm fire had tragically claimed 128 lives by 6 a.m. on Friday, including 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho who died in the line of duty. Another 76 people were injured, with 11 firefighters among those treated for burns, heat exhaustion, and foot injuries.
Hong Kong authorities continue to verify the status of more than 200 individuals reported missing as local news outlets monitor the situation. The Fire Services Department deployed massive resources including over 200 fire engines, approximately 100 ambulances, and more than 1,200 fire and ambulance personnel for the operation.
Deputy Director of Fire Services Chan Derek Armstrong confirmed ongoing challenges during overnight efforts, stating that some areas had reignited, requiring continuous water spraying to cool hotspots. As late as 11 p.m. on Thursday, Xinhua reporters witnessed flames flaring up again on the upper floors of one building, with orange flames visible through windows.
Fire Origin and Investigation Developments
The fire at the large public housing complex broke out at approximately 2:51 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26. It originated from bamboo scaffolding on one block undergoing renovation and rapidly spread, eventually engulfing seven of the complex's eight 31-story towers.
The housing complex, built in 1983, consists of eight towers each standing 31 stories high, containing 1,984 apartments that housed approximately 4,600 residents according to a 2021 census.
Hong Kong police have arrested three men for suspected manslaughter in connection with the blaze. The suspects, aged between 52 and 68, were executives of a construction company responsible for installing materials for the building's renovation.
Investigators discovered that protective nets, waterproof canvas, and plastic cloth covering the buildings may have fallen short of fireproof standards. Police also identified the possible use of flammable polyurethane foam to seal windows in elevator lobbies as a contributing factor to the fire's rapid spread.
Firefighters demonstrated remarkable determination throughout the operation, conducting floor-by-floor searches with demolition tools and oxygen tanks. Wong Ka-wing, another deputy director of fire services, emphasized their commitment: "We keep trying. We'll break down every unit door, search thoroughly for any possible survivors. We haven't given up, and we won't."
