At least 128 people have died after a massive fire tore through multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in more than seven decades. The fire, which began in the Tai Po suburb on Wednesday, also left 79 injured and dozens still missing, as authorities struggle to account for all residents.
The affected towers, part of Wang Fuk Court, had been undergoing renovations when the blaze broke out. Officials said Styrofoam installed on the exterior of the windows helped the fire spread rapidly.
Three people supervising the renovations have been arrested on charges of manslaughter, and a corruption investigation has been launched.
Bringing the fire under control required the efforts of over 2,311 firefighters. The blaze, which engulfed seven of the estate’s eight apartment blocks, was finally extinguished by 10:18 local time on Friday (02:18 GMT), the fire department confirmed.
At a news conference, authorities said 89 bodies are yet to be identified and 16 remain inside the buildings.
Police are expected to enter the Wang Fuk Court buildings on Friday to collect evidence, with a full investigation anticipated to last three to four weeks.
Meanwhile, families of missing residents have been gathering at a nearby community hall, helping authorities identify victims with the aid of family photos.
The government has also opened shelters and support centres for those displaced by the fire. Volunteers have been distributing clothing, hygiene supplies, and other essentials to affected residents.
The blaze began at 14:51 local time on Wednesday and was upgraded to the highest emergency level by 18:22. Fire officials said it started on a lower floor before moving upwards, reaching temperatures of up to 500C (932F). The fire reignited in some areas even after initial extinguishing efforts.
One former resident, who moved out earlier this year, told the BBC, “There was nothing we could do. Together we watched our homes burn gradually.” The rapid spread was fueled by flammable netting and other materials covering the buildings.
Among those killed was firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who was found collapsed on Wednesday, about 30 minutes after losing contact with colleagues.
Twelve other firefighters were injured in the blaze. Two Indonesian workers also died, according to a migrant charity, and several Indonesian and Filipino laborers remain unaccounted for.
Indonesian worker Fita recounted her experience, saying, “It was scary and confusing, but I feel so grateful to be safe. But I'm concerned about friends I know... Usually we talk, and then I haven't met them [since the fire].” Many residents in shelters have avoided speaking to the media, overwhelmed by the trauma.
Anger is growing in Hong Kong as residents demand accountability.
Several said they did not hear any fire alarms, and investigations revealed alarms in all eight blocks were not functioning properly. One resident noted that construction workers had switched off some alarms.
Past complaints about high renovation fees and the safety of building materials have resurfaced online.
A police spokesperson said, “We have reason to believe that those in charge at the company were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties.”
Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, housed nearly 4,600 residents across 1,984 apartments. Around 40% of residents are 65 or older, and many have lived in the estate since it opened. Hong Kong’s deadliest fire remains a 1948 warehouse blaze that claimed 176 lives.
