Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly 80 years has killed at least 94 people, with dozens still missing, after a massive blaze swept through the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po.
Fire authorities said they expect to finish search and rescue operations on Friday, as firefighters continue to force entry into remaining units.
The eight-tower estate, home to more than 4,600 residents, was under renovation and wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, which helped the flames spread rapidly on Wednesday afternoon.
Police have arrested the directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction, accusing them of manslaughter for using unsafe, flammable materials such as foam boards that blocked windows.
Officers seized documents, computers, and phones during a raid on the company’s office.The fire left parts of the complex still smouldering on Friday. Most victims were found in two towers, though survivors were rescued from several buildings. At least 279 people were initially reported missing, and 25 calls for help remain unresolved.
Residents described a terrifying scene of thick smoke, collapsing scaffolding, and desperate searches for loved ones. At shelters, distraught families waited for news, including a woman searching for her daughter and husband.
The Hospital Authority confirmed the rising death toll, noting two victims were Indonesian domestic helpers. Hong Kong hosts about 368,000 domestic workers, mostly women from low-income Asian nations. The blaze is the city’s worst since a 1948 warehouse fire that killed 176 people, drawing comparisons to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of construction safety, with officials discussing replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal structures. Chief Executive John Lee announced a HK$300 million fund for affected residents, as major Chinese companies pledged donations.
Meanwhile, evacuees spent nights in malls and outside restaurants, saying official shelters should prioritize those in greater need.
In one of the world’s most densely populated cities, the disaster risks fuelling public frustration over housing and government oversight. Both Hong Kong authorities and China’s leadership have moved swiftly to signal that they consider the tragedy a high priority.
