The blaze reportedly began on the exterior scaffolding of one of the towers, where bamboo structures were installed for ongoing renovations. Fueled by strong winds and the construction setup, the fire quickly spread through multiple floors, engulfing the buildings in thick smoke and flames.

Authorities confirmed that at least 13 people lost their lives, with over 15 others injured. Nearly 700 residents were forced to evacuate their homes and were relocated to temporary shelters due to the structural instability caused by the fire. Firefighters faced extreme challenges containing the blaze, with high temperatures, dense smoke, and the scale of the buildings hampering rescue efforts.

Experts highlighted the dangers posed by bamboo scaffolding in high-rise construction and renovation, noting that it can accelerate fire spread when safety measures are insufficient. The incident has exposed critical gaps in building safety oversight and enforcement in densely populated urban areas.

Hong Kong officials described the fire as a severe disaster, emphasizing the urgent need to review construction regulations, replace unsafe scaffolding, and enforce stricter safety protocols in high-rise buildings. For residents, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant, understand emergency procedures, and adhere to safety guidelines.

The Wang Fuk Court fire underscores that building safety is not optional it is a shared responsibility. Authorities, developers, and residents must work together to implement preventive measures, protect lives, and minimize future risks in Hong Kong’s high-density residential towers.