Tragic Fire in Tai Po has Caused 13 Deaths and 15 Injuries, 767 Firemen and Paramedics Involved in Rescue

At around 8 p.m., the authorities held an inter-departmental press conference to explain the situation of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. It's stated that the fire had caused at least 13 deaths and 15 injuries, including a fireman who sacrificed. The injured were sent to several hospitals for treatment. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department has dispatched 767 firefighters and paramedics for on-site rescue.

The tragic fire in Tai Po

Mr. Chan Derek Armstrong, the Dep Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr. Tang Wing Wah, the Assistant Director (New Territories North), Mr. Chou Wing Yin, the Asst Ch Ambulance Offr (New Territories East), Mr. Kong Wing Cheung, the Dist Commander (Tai Po), Mr. Siu Aubrey, the SP (Enforcement & Control Div) (East Operational Base) (Traffic NTN), Ms. Chan Hau Man, the Dist Offr (Tai Po), and Ms. Fung Man Yu, the Dist Social Welfare Offr (Tai Po/N) have explained the details on the spot.

Representatives from multiple government departments attended the press conference, Photo source: FB of the Fire Services Department

Mr. Chan first extended the deepest condolences on behalf of the Fire Services Department to the families of the deceased and injured. He pointed out that the fire broke out first at Wang Cheong House in the housing estate. Initially, the fire area was 27 meters by 27 meters. Due to the continuous spread of the fire and the constant calls for help from citizens, the department needed to increase the number of rescue personnel and thus raised the fire alarm to level five. The department mobilized 8 fire hoses and 7 steel ladders to spray water for rescue. A total of 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances and 767 firemen and paramedics were dispatched.

The No.5 Alarm Fire in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chou Wing Yin, the Asst Ch Ambulance Offr (New Territories East), Photo source: FB of the Fire Services Department

The rescue personnel are sending the injured people to the hospitals, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chou said that the Fire Services Department has dealt with a total of 28 injured people, among whom 9 were confirmed dead on the spot, 6 were seriously injured and sent to the hospital, and 4 died after being sent to the hospital. The injured were sent to North District Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin and Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po for treatment, respectively. Among the injured and deceased, one fireman sacrificed, one principal fireman suffered a foot injury, and one fireman suffered from heat exhaustion.

Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chan Derek Armstrong, the Dep Director of Fire Services (Operations), Photo source: FB of the Fire Services Department

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

A theft occurred recently at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, with three workers involved in reinforcement work arrested for suspected of stealing valuables from a unit. Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, stated that security at Wang Fuk Court will be strengthened, including requiring workers to undergo body searches upon leaving.

Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow stated that the police suspended all reinforcement work at Wang Fuk Court immediately after the theft. Following a review, four new security measures will be introduced. These include increased police patrols, requiring workers to store personal valuables—such as jewelry, watches, and cash—in lockers before heading upstairs, and limiting each worker to carrying no more than HKD $500 in cash on-site (mobile phones are permitted). Additionally, police will first document any visibly valuable items inside the units, and workers will be subject to body searches and metal detector checks upon exit. The reinforcement work is scheduled to resume on Monday (9th).

Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow noted that during previous work periods, police had registered workers' personal information—including ID card numbers and phone numbers—before officers escorted them to their work floors. Workers were also prohibited from carrying backpacks or bags upstairs. He added that only the three arrested workers have been implicated in the case so far, with no involvement of others found. As of 5 p.m. on March 7, police had received approximately 81 related reports, most of which expressed concerns from residents about unit security. Police will follow up on each report to determine whether theft was involved.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow also stated receiving a report from a resident who suspected credit card theft. He urged residents worried about credit or bank cards left in their units to contact their banks immediately to report the loss and arrange for replacements. When asked whether the incident pointed to possible police negligence, Mr. Chow said an internal review would be conducted. If human error is identified, disciplinary action may follow.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post