The death toll from a devastating fire at an apartment complex in Hong Kong has reached 146 as investigators continue to recover more victims from the scene. The blaze, which engulfed the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po suburb, prompted a wave of mourning, with residents and well-wishers leaving flowers and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial.
Police officials from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit have been meticulously searching the complex, finding bodies within apartment units and on rooftops. Senior officer Cheng Ka-chun noted that conditions inside the buildings are challenging due to low light and structural complexities. “It is so dark inside, and because of the low light, it is very difficult to do the work, especially in places away from the windows,” he explained. As of now, investigators have examined four of the seven blocks in the complex, with approximately 100 individuals still unaccounted for and 79 reported injuries.
Many people gathered at the site to pay their respects, bowing and offering prayers. One resident, Lian Shuzheng, expressed concern over safety in high-rise buildings, stating, “This really serves as a wake-up call for everyone.” Community members are also providing supplies to those who lost everything in the fire, which started on Wednesday and took until Friday to be fully extinguished.
Authorities Investigate Fire Safety Violations
The eight buildings of Wang Fuk Court, which house nearly 2,000 apartments and over 4,600 residents, were undergoing renovations and were covered in bamboo scaffolding and nylon netting. Authorities are now investigating potential violations of fire safety codes. Late on Saturday, Hong Kong officials announced the suspension of 28 construction projects linked to the contractor, the Prestige Construction & Engineering Company. The government indicated that the fire exposed serious deficiencies in site safety management.
Three individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from the construction firm, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the fire. They were later released on bail but subsequently rearrested by anti-corruption authorities, who also detained an additional eight suspects, including subcontractors and project managers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire began on Wednesday afternoon on a lower-level scaffolding net and spread quickly as flammable foam panels ignited, causing windows to explode. Wind conditions exacerbated the situation, allowing flames to jump from building to building. Fire services director Andy Yeung reported that some fire alarms in the complex, which accommodated many elderly residents, failed to activate during testing.
Community Response and Government Action
The tragedy has drawn attention not only in Hong Kong but also internationally. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry confirmed that seven Indonesian migrant workers were among the deceased, with several others still unaccounted for. The Philippines Consulate General in Hong Kong reported that one Filipina domestic worker died in the incident, with twelve others missing.
In a show of solidarity, several hundred Filipinos gathered in a central Hong Kong pedestrian street on Sunday, offering prayers and hymns in honor of the victims. The emotional toll was evident, as civil servant Jeffery Chan expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s heartbreaking… they need encouragement, support and help from the people of Hong Kong.”
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Emergency Management in Beijing has initiated a nationwide inspection of high-rise buildings to identify and mitigate fire hazards. The ministry highlighted that inspections will focus on bamboo scaffolding, non-flame-retardant materials, and inadequate firefighting equipment.
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in grief, seeking answers and support for those affected by this tragic event.
