Hong Kong: A massive blaze that tore through a high-rise residential complex in the Tai Po district has become the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in nearly eight decades. Authorities confirmed that at least 128 people have died, and around 200 remain unaccounted for, as rescue operations have officially ended.
On Wednesday afternoon, flames erupted at one of the towers of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court estate. The complex home to some 4,600–4,800 residents was under renovation at the time. All eight 32-storey towers were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding covered with green mesh. Within hours, the fire had jumped across multiple blocks.
The use of bamboo scaffolding and flammable mesh common in Hong Kong’s construction culture is now under intense scrutiny. Observers note how quickly the fire spread across exterior surfaces, causing many of the upper floors to become death traps.
Firefighters and rescue crews battled the blaze for nearly two days. The fire was finally brought under control early Friday morning, but not before seven of the eight towers were engulfed by flames and smoke.
As the dust settled:
• 128 bodies were recovered. Many victims remain unidentified.
• Over 79 people were injured, including several first-responders.
• Close to 200 people remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could still climb.
The devastation left whole families uprooted. Survivors, relatives and displaced residents have been grappling with shock, grief, and uncertainty, as rescue teams continue investigations.
Within hours of the tragedy, authorities arrested three individuals linked to the renovation works two company directors and a consultant on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigators allege “gross negligence,” citing the use of unsafe, flammable materials and possible failure of fire-alarm systems.
The aftermath has triggered demands for immediate safety audits across all sites in Hong Kong undergoing renovation. Officials have hinted at possible reforms, including phasing out bamboo scaffolding in favor of safer metal frameworks.
In the government’s response, a relief fund has been announced to support survivors and displaced residents. At the same time, social concern is mounting the disaster exposed glaring vulnerabilities in fire safety protocols in one of the world’s densest urban centres.
The catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court has struck at the heart of public confidence in Hong Kong’s high-rise housing standards. Many residents had reportedly raised safety concerns before the blaze; now, those fears are being shared across the city.
Critics argue that rapid urbanization, cost-cutting in construction and lax oversight have turned ordinary homes into death traps. Voices from all quarters residents, activists, experts are calling for sweeping reforms in building safety regulations, emergency readiness, and accountability for disregard of safety standards.
The tragedy underscores a harsh reality: in cities built sky-high, fire safety cannot be optional, and negligence can have devastating, far-reaching consequences.