HONG KONG – The death toll from the devastating fire that swept through a residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has tragically risen to 128, Secretary for Security Chris Tang confirmed. Dozens of residents from the Wang Fuk Court housing estate are still officially missing, making it Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze since 1948.
The inferno, which began on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread across the densely packed complex of eight high-rises, burned for over 40 hours before the Fire Services announced it was “largely extinguished” on Friday morning.
Families Search for Missing Loved Ones
With firefighting operations concluded, the focus has shifted to identifying the victims and searching hospitals for the scores still unaccounted for.
- An AFP reporter observed vehicles unloading multiple bodies at a mortuary in Sha Tin, where families were expected to arrive for identification.
- A woman surnamed Wong was desperately searching for her sister-in-law and her twin sister across hospitals, stating, “We still cannot find them. So we are going to different hospitals to ask if they have good news.”
- More than 50 people remain hospitalised, with 12 in critical condition and 28 in serious condition.
The speed and intensity of the fire shocked eyewitnesses. A 77-year-old resident surnamed Mui recounted, “One building went up in flames and it spread to two more blocks in less than 15 minutes. It was burning red, I shudder to think about it.”
Probe Targets Renovation and Safety Failures
Authorities have launched a major investigation into the cause of the disaster, focusing on potential ignition sources and safety failures:
- Renovation Scaffolding: Investigators are examining the bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the complex as part of a major renovation, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
- Arrests and Probe: Hong Kong’s anti-corruption body launched a probe into the renovation work. Separately, police arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site.
- Alarm Failure: Residents reported not hearing any fire alarms and had to alert their neighbours to the danger door-to-door.
Government and Community Response
City leader John Lee Ka-chiu announced that Hong Kong authorities will immediately inspect all housing estates currently undergoing major renovation work following the disaster.
In response to the tragedy, the government:
- Established a HK$300 million (€33 million) fund to aid victims.
- Opened nine shelters and organised temporary accommodation for the displaced.
- Suspended activities related to the legislative elections scheduled for December 7.
Meanwhile, a massive, spontaneous community effort has rallied to support the victims. A public square near the site was transformed into a well-organised aid station providing clothes, food, medical, and psychological care. Organisers had to issue a public call to stop further donations due to the overwhelming generosity, highlighting the “spirit of Hong Kong people” to lend support in times of trouble.
