Last Wednesday, November 26, 2025, a major fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, leaving the community reeling. By 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, the Hong Kong Police Force confirmed 159 lives lost and 31 people still missing.
Tragically, many of those who died were maintenance workers. A survivor recalls his team was carrying out repairs on the 10th to 13th floors of Block 5 when flames from a neighboring building rained down on their work zone. They grabbed on-site hoses 🧯 to try and contain the blaze, but the fire intensified rapidly. Their contractor then ordered an immediate evacuation.
Representatives from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union have been on the ground, visiting families of both victims and survivors 🤝. According to union reps, the SAR government emphasized that all affected families will receive equal support. The federation's occupational safety association has provided HKD 20,000 (about USD 2,600) in emergency relief to each bereaved family.
From Bangkok's condo repairs to Jakarta's tower renovations, maintenance crews are the unsung heroes behind our region's skylines. This heartbreaking incident highlights the risks frontline workers face and reminds us of the need for strong safety measures on every job site. As search and rescue operations continue, our thoughts are with the families waiting for news of their loved ones. Stay safe and support one another ❤️.
Reference(s):
Workers among casualties in Wang Fuk Court blaze in Hong Kong
cgtn.com
