The death toll from a catastrophic fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court residential complex has surged to 128, with around 200 people still missing, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years. The inferno, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon in the Tai Po district, engulfed eight 32-story towers housing over 4,000 residents, many elderly. Firefighters brought the flames under control after 42 hours, shifting focus to body recovery amid dwindling hopes for survivors.
Fire Erupts and Spreads Rapidly
The blaze ignited in Wang Cheong House, one of the complex’s towers, and swiftly spread to six others due to flammable materials. Preliminary probes point to substandard scaffolding netting and combustible polystyrene foam used in renovations as key accelerators. Fire alarms malfunctioned, complicating evacuations in the densely packed public housing estate.
Authorities declared a level-five emergency, deploying 128 fire engines and nearly 800 personnel. By Friday, firefighting wrapped up, with crews spraying lingering embers as smoke rose from charred bamboo scaffolding. Rescue operations concluded, leaving families to identify loved ones via photos at a community center.
Casualty Figures and Injuries
- Deaths: Climbed from 4 on Wednesday to 36 Thursday morning, 44 later that day, 75 evening, and 128 by Friday.
- Missing: Approximately 200 unaccounted for, including unidentified deceased; earlier counts hit 279.
- Injured: At least 79 hospitalized, including 12 firefighters; 45 in critical condition at peaks.
- Displaced: Around 900 residents sheltered in nine temporary facilities; 500 remain housed there.
One victim, a nine-year veteran firefighter, collapsed at the scene and died in hospital.
Arrests and Investigation Underway
Police arrested three men aged 52-68—two directors and a consultant from the construction firm handling scaffolding and materials—on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Inspections launched on 11 other projects by the same firm. A full inquiry into the fire’s cause and spread, expected to take 3-4 weeks, prioritizes renovation safety lapses.
Hong Kong leader John Lee outlined priorities: extinguish fire, aid injured, support recovery, then investigate. Roads around the site remain closed for probes.
Official Statements on Crisis Response
Security Secretary Chris Tang stated survivor chances have “greatly diminished,” with 89 bodies unidentified Friday. “Firefighting efforts are nearly finished,” said Deputy Fire Director Derek Armstrong Chan. Chief Executive John Lee noted 279 unreachable early on, emphasizing support for victims.
The government canceled nonessential public activities, pledged HK$10,000 ($1,284) per affected family, and allocated HK$300 million ($38 million) relief fund. Citywide checks on wall renovations involving scaffolding and netting are planned.
Resident and Community Reactions
Shock rippled through Hong Kong’s high-rise dwellers, where green-netted bamboo scaffolds are ubiquitous. Survivors described a “loud explosion” before flames overtook buildings. Families gathered outside, desperate for news, while volunteers fundraised and distributed supplies.
Local devastation hit hard in Tai Po, with residents volunteering amid grief. The tragedy exposes urban fire risks in aging estates, prompting calls for stricter regulations on flammable materials.
Historical Context and Implications
This ranks as Hong Kong’s worst fire since 1947, surpassing prior high-rises blazes. The complex’s design interwoven towers amplified spread risks. Past incidents involved similar renovation hazards, underscoring oversight gaps.
Authorities aim to prevent recurrence through enhanced inspections. As recovery advances, the focus shifts to rebuilding lives in a city reliant on vertical living. The event has galvanized community aid, with shelters aiding hundreds.
