168 Killed in Apartment Fire
Agency — Hong Kong police have said that 168 people died in a massive fire that broke out at an apartment complex in November. The latest police report shows that the death toll is higher than previously reported. Earlier reports had put the number of fatalities at 161, meaning the updated figure is seven higher.
“The victims ranged in age from six months to 98 years,” police said in a statement on Thursday. “Those who died included 58 men and 110 women, most of whom were elderly residents who had been living in the apartment complex for decades.”
The fire occurred at Wang Fuk Court, located in Hong Kong’s northeastern Tai Po district, and is considered the deadliest fire in the city in decades.
City leader John Lee said on Wednesday that more than 30 people have been arrested in connection with the incident and are suspected of crimes including manslaughter, fraud, or corruption.
Security Secretary Chris Tang confirmed that the final death toll stands at 168 and said that the identification of all victims has been completed.
Thousands of firefighters were deployed to bring the blaze under control. One firefighter lost his life during the operation.
Publish Date: January 16, 2026
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