Earlier today, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, a devastating fire swept through a residential block in Tai Po, located in the northern New Territories of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, claiming at least 14 lives and injuring dozens more.
The Fire Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government received the first alert at around 2:51 p.m. local time. As the blaze intensified, officials escalated the situation to a No.5 alarm at 6:22 p.m., mobilizing all available resources to tackle the inferno.
Rescue crews are currently working tirelessly amid fierce flames and thick smoke. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as residents were evacuated to nearby safe zones while emergency responders battled to contain the fire spread.
Key developments so far:
- 2:51 p.m.: First alert received by the Fire Services Department
- 6:22 p.m.: Alarm raised to No.5, signaling severe fire conditions
- Ongoing: Search and rescue operations with medical teams on standby
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have set up a hotline for families seeking information about missing residents, and community groups are coordinating support efforts by collecting essentials for those displaced.
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of fire safety measures in densely populated urban areas. As Hong Kong mourns, experts are calling for a review of building regulations, emergency response protocols, and public awareness campaigns to prevent future disasters.
For now, the focus remains on rescue and relief. We will continue to monitor official updates and bring you the latest as the situation develops.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
