Tai Po Fire Death Toll Climbs to 156, Residents of Unaffected Block Allowed to Retrieve Belongings
As of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the death toll from the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has risen to 156, with authorities allowing residents of the sole undamaged building to return for essential belongings. The tragedy, which engulfed seven of the estate’s eight buildings, has prompted a large-scale investigation and a wave of grief across Hong Kong.
As of 4pm on Tuesday, a total of 127 remains of victims had been identified, according to Chief Superintendent Karen Tsang of the police’s casualty inquiry unit. She further stated that 29 bodies remain unidentified, and approximately 30 residents are still unaccounted for. The fire impacted over 1,980 households within the residential complex.
Tenants of Wang Chi House, the only tower spared from the blaze, will be permitted to access their units between 9am and 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday, December 3rd and 4th, 2025, to collect personal items. The Home Affairs Department (HAD) stipulated that residents must present identification and register at a designated point near Kwong Yee House of Kwong Fuk Estate. Access will be limited to two people per household for a maximum of 1.5 hours.
District Officer (Eastern) Henry Lai of the HAD emphasized that residents must depart immediately after retrieving their belongings, as police investigations and follow-up procedures are ongoing.
Authorities have made 15 arrests – 14 men and one woman, ranging in age from 40 to 77 – in connection with the fire, alleging manslaughter. Those arrested include individuals associated with the primary construction contractor, a construction consultancy, and subcontractors responsible for scaffolding and exterior wall work.
The police force confirmed awareness of images circulating online, particularly on platforms like LIHKG and X (formerly Twitter), depicting the fire’s aftermath and, reportedly, remains of victims. However, law enforcement has not verified the authenticity of these images and declined to comment on how they were leaked, given restricted access to the site.
“The police are highly concerned about the circulation of these photos,” a police spokesperson stated, “and are contacting the relevant platforms for their removal.” The force urged the public to refrain from sharing the images “out of respect for the deceased, to avoid inflicting secondary trauma on the victims’ families and the wider community.”
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