A city in mourning as flames tear through high-rise homes, leaving charred ruins, unanswered questions and families desperately searching for loved ones in Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in more than seven decades.
At least 128 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed several high rise buildings in Hong Kong. Another 79 people have been injured in the city’s deadliest blaze in more than 70 years, which occurred in the Tai Po suburb, while dozens are still missing. The tower blocks had been undergoing renovations when the fire began. Officials stated that Styrofoam placed outside the windows accelerated its rapid spread, turning the buildings into a deadly firetrap.
Three individuals overseeing the renovation project have been arrested for manslaughter and authorities have launched a corruption inquiry linked to the construction and safety standards. The fire spread across seven of the eight residential blocks in Wang Fuk Court and required more than 2,311 firefighters to bring under control. Firefighting operations have now ceased and the fire department confirmed the blaze was fully extinguished by 10:18 local time on Friday.
Authorities reported that 89 bodies remain unidentified and 16 bodies still lie inside the damaged buildings. Police will begin entering the structures to retrieve remains and gather evidence, with investigations expected to continue for three to four weeks. Crowds have gathered at a nearby community hall opened for families searching for missing relatives, where officials have asked loved ones to bring photos to support identification efforts.
The Hong Kong government has set up shelters and support centers for displaced residents and volunteers are organising supplies such as clothing and hygiene essentials. The fire started at 14:51 local time on Wednesday and was upgraded to the most serious category by 18:22. According to the fire department, the blaze originated on a lower level before racing upward and reached temperatures of 500C. The intense heat caused the fire to reignite in several areas even after being doused.
A former resident, who moved out earlier this year, said, “There was nothing we could do. Together we watched our homes burn gradually.” The fire spread rapidly across blocks due to flammable netting and materials attached to the building exteriors. Among those killed is firefighter Ho Wai ho, 37, who was found collapsed at the scene after contact with him was lost for 30 minutes. Twelve other firefighters have been injured.
