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Hong Kong is grieving after a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court high-rise complex left at least 128 people dead, with authorities warning the toll could rise as 150 residents remain missing. The blaze, the city’s deadliest since 1948, swept through seven of the estate’s eight 32-storey towers on Wednesday, intensified by bamboo scaffolding, green mesh coverings, and foam insulation used for ongoing renovations.
Authorities have arrested 11 individuals linked to the project, including directors and a consultant from Prestige Construction, the contractor responsible for renovation works. Investigators are probing allegations of corruption and unsafe materials, including flammable foam boards that may have blocked escape routes. Hong Kong’s Buildings Department suspended all 28 active Prestige projects citywide as safety inspections continue.
Rescue operations formally concluded on Friday, though police say they may uncover more bodies over the next several weeks while searching hazardous, burned-out floors. Teams have recovered no additional victims so far but managed to save three cats and a turtle. The number of people unaccounted for has been revised down from 200 after families reconnected with some initially feared missing.
The tragedy has drawn global condolences, including a message from Britain’s King Charles, and prompted mainland China to order a nationwide review of fire risks in high-rise residential buildings. Local officials, including Chief Executive John Lee, observed a three-minute silence as flags across the city flew at half-staff. Condolence books have been placed at 18 locations for public tributes.
Migrant domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines were among those affected. Indonesia confirmed seven deaths, while the Philippines reported one critically injured worker and dozens of residents whose whereabouts remain unknown. Harrowing accounts emerged, including a Filipino worker who shielded a baby with a wet blanket while trapped in smoke for hours.
Public frustration is growing amid questions about fire safety oversight. Residents had raised concerns last year about the flammability of renovation materials, only to be told risks were low. Activists are now calling for an independent investigation, greater accountability, and better resettlement support for survivors.
