The catastrophic fifth-alarm fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last month has now claimed 161 lives, according to the latest official update from Hong Kong police. The grim milestone was confirmed on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following comprehensive DNA analysis that identified previously discovered remains as belonging to two separate victims.
Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming addressed the media after inspecting a passing-out parade, revealing that advanced forensic testing had determined one set of remains actually belonged to a couple rather than a single individual. The identification process has now confirmed the identities of all six individuals previously reported missing—five fire victims and one person who had died in 2023.
The devastating blaze, which broke out on November 26, 2025, raged for over 43 hours and caused extensive damage to seven of the eight residential blocks within the housing estate. The inferno represents one of Hong Kong’s deadliest building fires in recent history.
Commissioner Chow cautioned that the death toll might still rise as DNA testing continues on additional remains recovered from the scene. The painstaking identification process involves matching genetic material from victims with samples provided by anxious family members awaiting news of their missing relatives.
The tragedy has prompted widespread scrutiny of building safety standards and emergency response protocols in Hong Kong’s densely populated residential areas. The community of Tai Po continues to mourn the devastating loss while supporting those injured and displaced by the catastrophic fire.