A devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has killed 128 people, including one firefighter, with 79 injured and 150 unaccounted for. The blaze erupted on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread to seven of the estate's eight residential blocks. Authorities have launched criminal investigations amid a three-day citywide mourning period.
The fire broke out at 2:51pm on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a residential estate undergoing renovations since July 2024, covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh. Preliminary investigations indicate the blaze started on protective nets at Wang Cheong House and was intensified by highly flammable styrofoam materials, with fire alarms malfunctioning in all eight blocks. Flames rapidly spread to seven of the 31-storey residential towers, taking nearly two days for over 2,000 firefighters to control.
The death toll stands at 128, including one firefighter, with 79 injured, among them 12 firefighters. Police report 150 people remain 'unreachable'. Built in 1983 under the colonial government's Home Ownership Scheme, the estate featured 1,984 two-bedroom flats for around 4,600 residents.
A three-day citywide mourning period began on Saturday, with national and Hong Kong flags at half-mast until Monday. Residents queued at the site, Central, and community halls to pay respects, laying flowers and writing tributes. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and officials observed a three-minute silence at government headquarters at 8am, joined by Beijing's Liaison Office chief Zhou Ji and others.
Three people were arrested for alleged corruption in the renovation works, following earlier detentions on manslaughter charges. National security police questioned a university student over online posts and flyers demanding an independent inquiry. The government offers a HK$60,000 subsidy exclusively for Wang Fuk Court residents and coordinates NGO aid. About 1,500 residents have been relocated, while animal charities rescued three cats and a turtle.
Experts call for stricter building maintenance and fire safety regulations. Beijing has praised Hong Kong's rescue efforts and pledged support. The Independent Commission Against Corruption and Labour Department conducted 16 checks on the works since July last year.
