A devastating four-alarm fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, compelled emergency services to close major sections of the Tolo Highway and Tai Po Road on Friday afternoon, causing widespread disruption to transportation across the New Territories.
The massive blaze, which originated at Wang Cheong House in Wang Fuk Court earlier today, quickly escalated, prompting authorities to implement extensive road closures around 4:52 p.m. local time. The closures primarily affected the critical route linking Tai Po to the urban core, forcing multiple bus operators to reroute services and bypass major stops. Preliminary reports indicated multiple injuries, with at least two individuals suffering severe burns as the fire reportedly spread to adjacent housing blocks, including Wang Tai House.
Critical Transport Corridors Closed
The Transport Department confirmed the immediate closure of several vital arteries due to the ongoing emergency response. This included the complete shutdown of Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai section, running between Nam Wan Road and Tolo Highway, in both directions.
Furthermore, the sole slip road connecting the Tolo Highway (in both directions) to Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai was severed. The closures also extended to all lanes of Kwang Fuk Road in both directions, forming a cordon around the fire zone.
These closures severed a major thoroughfare for commuters traveling between the northern New Territories and Sha Tin/Kowloon.
Key Road Closures Implemented:
- Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai: Full closure (both directions) between Nam Wan Road and Tolo Highway.
- Tolo Highway Slip Road: Closure of the link to Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai.
- Kwang Fuk Road: Full closure (both directions).
Bus Services Rerouted, Commuters Stranded
The sudden incapacitation of these roads necessitated significant diversions for several major bus routes operated by Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Citybus. The changes are expected to create substantial delays during the peak evening commute.
KMB services heading toward Kowloon/Tsuen Wan, including routes 72, 72A, 73A, 74A, 73X, and 75X, were immediately directed onto alternative paths. Additionally, KMB route 71K was forced to implement detours in both directions.
Meanwhile, Citybus confirmed temporary changes for several routes serving the Tai Po area, specifically routes 79, B8, 307, and 307P (all in both directions). These buses were unable to serve bus stops near the Kwong Fuk Estate area, stranding many local residents who rely on the network.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
While the immediate focus remains on extinguishing the remnants of the four-alarm fire and ensuring public safety, officials have begun preliminary investigations into the cause of the blaze at Wang Fuk Court. The rapid spread of the fire and the confirmed burn injuries underscore the severe threat posed to residents of the tightly packed public housing complex.
The widespread transport disruptions serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Hong Kong’s infrastructure, demonstrating how a localized emergency can quickly paralyze key logistical corridors. Motorists and commuters are strongly advised to check real-time traffic updates and consider using the MTR train services as an alternative until the affected roadways can be safely reopened, a move that will only occur once fire services deem the scene fully secured.
Further updates are anticipated regarding the extent of the damage to the residential buildings and a timeline for the phased reopening of the severely impacted Tai Po Road section.
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