Firefighters and volunteers respond to Hong Kong’s deadliest high-rise fire in decades at the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po.
Hong Kong authorities say the death toll from the massive high-rise fire in Wang Fuk Court has climbed to 65, as firefighters continue searching through charred apartment blocks for more than 250 people still unaccounted for.
The devastating blaze the city’s deadliest since 1948, tore through an eight-building housing estate in Tai Po on Wednesday, leaving behind blackened façades, collapsed scaffolding and thick smoke that lingered for more than 24 hours. Firefighters said flames were still visible in several units as of Thursday afternoon.
Probe Opens Into Scaffolding
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire, focusing on the bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the estate for an ongoing renovation project. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption commission also opened a probe into the renovation work, just hours after police arrested three men for negligently leaving foam packaging at the site.
Residents told AFP they never heard fire alarms and had to alert one another manually.
“The fire spread so quickly,” said a resident surnamed Suen. “We were ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, telling neighbours to leave — that’s how it was.”
Firefighters Struggle
By Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed that four of the eight towers had been fully extinguished, while three were brought under control. One building remained untouched by the blaze.
A combination of strong winds and drifting debris is believed to have helped spread the flames from block to block. The inferno forced more than 900 people to seek shelter overnight.
Victims Include Firefighter, Migrant
Among the 65 confirmed dead was a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian domestic workers. Dozens more are being treated in hospitals: 12 in critical condition, 29 seriously injured and 17 stable, according to health authorities.
At a local community centre, police displayed photos and personal belongings of recovered bodies to aid identification.
“I cannot describe my feelings. There were children… I cannot describe it,” said Ms. Cheung, who was searching for relatives.
Support Mobilises Across Hong Kong
Volunteers have set up aid stations near the complex, providing food, clothing, and information about missing persons. Some displaced residents were allowed back into nearby buildings on Thursday.
“It’s truly touching,” said one volunteer, Stone Ngai. “When one person is in trouble, everyone supports them. It shows that Hong Kong people are full of love.”
Government Orders Safety Checks, Beijing Offers Aid
City leader John Lee announced immediate inspections of all residential estates undergoing major renovation. Hong Kong’s Deputy Chief, Eric Chan, said the tragedy showed the urgent need to transition fully to metal scaffolding.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and directed mainland agencies to provide drones, medicine and technical support.
Political activities ahead of the December 7 legislative elections have been temporarily suspended as authorities focus on rescue and relief operations.
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