In photos: Hong Kong’s deadly tower block blaze

The city’s Chief Executive John Lee called for a cross-departmental task force to investigate the fire, while donations poured in to help those made homeless by the blaze.

Dozens of people were killed and hundreds more remain unaccounted for after a gigantic blaze took hold in several tower blocks on a 2 000-unit Hong Kong housing estate.

The fire, which started around 3 p.m. local time on November 26 and was still burning the next morning, began on a section of bamboo scaffolding, officials said, spreading from building to building via wooden poles and protective netting.

The city’s Chief Executive John Lee called for a cross-departmental task force to investigate the fire, while donations poured in to help those made homeless by the blaze.

Here’s how the tragedy unfolded:

ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW

Emergency services vehicles carrying hundreds of firefighters and paramedics clog roads surrounding the housing estate. Image: Yik Yeung-man/Bloomberg

Firefighters tackle the fire using elevated platforms and high-powered water hoses. Image: Yik Yeung-man/Bloomberg

Residents unable to reach their homes take refuge at a temporary shelter. Image: Yik Yeung-man/Bloomberg

Rescue workers spent the night at the scene of the fire, which was still ablaze on the morning of November 27. Image: Lam Yik/Bloomberg

Bamboo poles and netting unscathed by the blaze cling to one of the buildings on the estate. Image: Lam Yik/Bloomberg

ADVERTISEMENT: CONTINUE READING BELOW

Workers carry cats rescued from the fire. Image: Lam Yik/Bloomberg

The blackened remains of the buildings at Wang Fuk Court. Image: Lam Yik/Bloomberg

© 2025 Bloomberg

Follow Moneyweb’s in-depth finance and business news on WhatsApp here.