A tragic fire incident in Hong Kong has now resulted in the deaths of at least 128 individuals, following a catastrophic blaze that affected several high-rise structures.
Authorities have taken eight individuals into custody, suspecting corruption related to the renovation work that these buildings were undergoing prior to the incident. Previously, three others had already been arrested on charges of manslaughter.
While the precise cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials have indicated that polystyrene and protective scaffolding installed on the exterior of the windows played a significant role in allowing the flames to spread rapidly.
The fire, which has become the deadliest in the city in more than seven decades, has also left 79 individuals injured, with many others still unaccounted for.
Police have begun collecting evidence from within the buildings, as an official inquiry will be conducted over the upcoming weeks. The Independent Commission Against Corruption reported that those apprehended during the corruption investigation on Friday included executives from an engineering firm and subcontractors involved in scaffolding.
Approximately 2,311 firefighters were mobilized to manage the fire, which extended across seven of the eight apartment blocks in Wang Fuk Court. The fire department confirmed that firefighting operations concluded successfully, with the flames being completely extinguished by 10:18 local time (02:18 GMT) on Friday.
It was reported that 89 bodies remain unidentified, and there are still 16 deceased individuals within the buildings.
Families searching for missing loved ones have been congregating at a community hall that has been set up nearby. Relatives are being encouraged to assist in the identification process by providing family photographs.
Additionally, the Hong Kong government has established shelters and support centers for those who have been displaced. Volunteer groups have been actively organizing supplies for affected individuals, which include clothing and hygiene items.
The inferno began at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) on Wednesday, escalating to the highest severity classification by 18:22 local time according to fire officials.
Details from the fire department suggest the blaze originated at a lower level and rapidly advanced upward, achieving scorching temperatures of 500°C (932°F). This extreme heat caused the fire to reignite in certain areas after initially being extinguished.
A former tenant, who had vacated the premises earlier in the year and requested anonymity, recounted, “There was nothing we could do. Together we watched our homes burn slowly.”
The rapid fire spread among the distinct blocks was exacerbated by the presence of flammable materials and netting on the buildings’ exteriors.
The authorities have identified firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, as one of the victims found unresponsive at the scene approximately thirty minutes after they lost contact with him. Twelve additional firefighters sustained injuries during the catastrophe, according to reports.
Two Indonesian workers present on-site were also reported deceased due to the fire, as stated by a charity aiding migrants. Among those still missing are Indonesian and Filipino laborers.
An Indonesian individual named Fita was inside the building with her employer when the sirens of the fire brigade sounded. She described the moment as terrifying and disorienting but expressed gratitude for her own safety.
“But I’m worried about friends I haven’t heard from… We usually communicate, but I haven’t been able to reach them since the fire,” she shared.
Many of those taking refuge in the shelters have preferred to stay silent with the media as they cope with the traumatic aftermath.
As the community reels from the incident, feelings of shock have quickly transformed into resentment, with growing concerns about accountability for the fire’s devastation. Residents have reported not hearing any fire alarms at the break of the disaster.
Investigations by Hong Kong’s fire service revealed that fire alarms across all eight blocks were malfunctioning. Furthermore, one eyewitness reported that some alarms had been deactivated by construction personnel.
Pervasive discussions about prior complaints from residents concerning high renovation fees and potential violations of fire safety standards have reignited on social media.
“We believe that gross negligence from those in charge of the construction led to this tragedy, resulting in an uncontrollable spread of fire and significant loss of life,” stated a police representative.
Constructed in 1983, Wang Fuk Court comprised 1,984 residential units housing approximately 4,600 people, as per a census conducted in 2021.
It is estimated that nearly 40% of the residents are seniors, aged 65 and older. Some families have resided in this subsidized housing development since its inception.
The record for the deadliest fire in Hong Kong history dates back to 1948, when an explosion at a five-story warehouse resulted in 176 fatalities.
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