World
Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in 70 Years: 128 Killed in Wang Fuk Court Blaze
A Disaster That Shook Hong Kong
HONG KONG — The city is mourning one of the most devastating disasters in its modern history after a violent fire tore through Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate in the Tai Po district. It is now confirmed as Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than 70 years.
The blaze erupted on Wednesday morning and rapidly escalated into a catastrophic multi-tower inferno, leaving the city stunned. Officials have confirmed 128 deaths, 79 injuries, and dozens more still unaccounted for. The fire consumed seven out of the estate’s eight high-rise blocks, creating scenes of chaos, fear, and tragedy that will remain etched in the city’s collective memory for decades.
More than 2,300 firefighters battled the flames for nearly two full days before the fire was finally declared extinguished on Friday morning. As recovery teams comb through the charred structures, the death toll is expected to rise further, particularly as 89 bodies remain unidentified.
A Community Filled With Elderly and Migrant Workers
Wang Fuk Court is home to thousands of residents, many of whom are seniors and low-income individuals. Approximately 40% of the building’s population was over the age of 65, making them especially vulnerable during emergencies.
Among the victims were:
- Elderly residents unable to evacuate quickly
- Migrant domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines
- Children trapped inside smoke-filled corridors
- And firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who lost his life after attempting rooftop rescues
Families have been gathering around makeshift information centers, seeking updates and hoping for closure. For many, the wait has been excruciating — especially those whose loved ones remain missing or whose remains still await identification.
How a Routine Renovation Turned Into a Firestorm
The tragedy began while the buildings were undergoing major external renovation. Scaffolding, netting, and construction materials had covered much of the facade. Shortly after work began for the day, residents reported smelling smoke — but alarms failed to sound.
Within minutes, the fire had erupted into a violent blaze that rapidly ascended the building exteriors.
Flammable Materials Accelerated the Fire
Authorities later confirmed that the rapid spread was fueled by two key factors:
- Styrofoam panels installed around window frames
- Flammable protective netting used across the scaffolded sections
These materials allowed flames to travel upward and sideways simultaneously, creating what experts described as a “chimney effect.” The fire leaped from one unit to another with devastating speed, reducing evacuation chances for residents on higher floors.
Investigators say the material choice violated established fire-safety norms — sparking public outrage and urgent questions about contractor oversight.
Fire Alarms Were Not Working
Perhaps the most disturbing revelation so far is the complete failure of fire alarms:
- Alarms in all eight blocks were found to be non-functional.
- Many residents claim construction workers turned them off to prevent “disturbances” during renovation.
- In several blocks, emergency systems had not been inspected for months.
Without alarms to warn them, many residents did not realize the danger until thick smoke began filling hallways. Elderly residents, in particular, struggled to navigate darkened stairwells with zero visibility.
Evacuation Chaos and a Race Against Time
Witnesses describe scenes of horror: residents screaming from balconies, parents clutching children in stairwells, migrant workers attempting to navigate passageways filled with dense smoke. Firefighters had to execute rooftop rescues while simultaneously battling flames hundreds of feet below.
Tight corridors, blocked exits, and falling debris made evacuation nearly impossible in certain blocks. Many residents attempted to escape to their rooftops — but only one block had accessible rooftop doors. In others, the doors were locked due to renovation restrictions.
The incident has sparked a renewed debate on rooftop accessibility during construction projects in Hong Kong’s densely populated housing estates.
Heroic Rescue Efforts — and a Fallen Firefighter
More than 2,300 firefighters were deployed, with teams rotating around the clock. Dozens of firefighters were injured due to collapsing structures, shifting scaffolding, and extreme internal temperatures.
Tragically, Fireman Ho Wai-ho, a 32-year-old frontline rescuer, lost his life after attempting to reach residents trapped on an upper floor. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes across social media, with many honoring him as a hero who sacrificed himself for others.
Arrests and Growing Pressure for Accountability
Three Supervisors Arrested for Manslaughter
Hong Kong police have arrested three renovation personnel — including a project supervisor — on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities believe negligence and disregard for safety regulations directly contributed to the scale of the disaster.
Corruption Inquiry Launched
The government has initiated a wide-ranging corruption investigation, focusing on:
- Possible bribery involving contractors
- Use of substandard materials
- Failure to follow approved renovation guidelines
- Potential collusion between construction firms and building inspectors
Officials described the early findings as “deeply troubling.”
Evidence Collection Underway
Police and forensic teams are currently:
- Analyzing melted façade materials
- Collecting scaffolding samples
- Reviewing CCTV recordings
- Interviewing workers, supervisors, and survivors
Results from the preliminary investigation are expected to be released within two weeks.
Families Demand Answers and Systemic Reform
Public anger has surged, with residents and lawmakers calling for:
- Full transparency in the investigation
- A complete safety audit of all public housing estates
- Mandatory inspection of fire alarms during renovations
- Stricter oversight of third-party contractors
Community leaders say Wang Fuk Court represents deeper systemic issues — including aging building infrastructure, inconsistent safety checks, and the vulnerability of elderly populations in high-density environments.
Memorials, vigils, and donation drives have begun across Hong Kong, as the city rallies to support displaced families.
Impact on Hong Kong’s Public Housing and Safety Policies
The government has announced immediate steps:
- A citywide review of construction material standards
- Re-inspection of fire alarm systems in all public housing complexes
- Temporary suspension of similar renovation projects across multiple districts
Housing experts say this incident may prompt sweeping reforms in how renovation contracts are awarded and monitored.
The tragedy has also reignited discussions about the risks of using outdated construction materials in aging high-rise estates — many of which were built decades ago.
What Happens Next
Authorities are now focused on five key priorities:
1. Identifying the Remaining Victims
Forensic teams are working around the clock to match DNA samples, dental records, and personal belongings to the 89 unidentified bodies.
2. Supporting Displaced Families
Hundreds of residents are currently housed in temporary shelters. Social workers are assisting with grief counseling, relocation, and essential supplies.
3. Finalizing the Corruption Investigation
Once complete, the case may expand to include additional arrests or charges against government officials.
4. Reviewing Safety Regulations
The government has signaled that a complete overhaul of fire-safety rules during building renovations is likely.
5. Preventing Future Tragedies
Experts are urging immediate installation of higher-grade, fire-resistant materials across Hong Kong’s thousands of high-rise residential blocks.