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Hong Kong's Deadliest Fire in Decades Claims 128 Lives
A catastrophic blaze that tore through seven high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong has left at least 128 dead, officials confirmed Friday, marking the city's worst fire disaster in over 70 years. Dozens remain missing as authorities launch a corruption probe into renovation works linked to the tragedy.
Eight Arrested on Corruption Charges
Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) detained eight individuals-including directors of an engineering firm and scaffolding subcontractors-on suspicion of graft tied to the buildings' ongoing renovations. Three others were previously arrested on manslaughter charges.
Investigators believe flammable materials, including polystyrene and protective netting affixed to the buildings' exteriors, accelerated the fire's spread. Police stated they have "reason to believe gross negligence" by company officials allowed the blaze to spiral out of control.
Firefighting Efforts Conclude; Dozens Still Missing
After 43 hours of battling the inferno, firefighters declared the blaze fully extinguished at 10:18 local time (02:18 GMT) Friday. The fire, which began at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) Wednesday, reached temperatures of 500°C (932°F), causing reignition in some areas despite initial suppression efforts.
Of the 128 confirmed fatalities, 89 bodies remain unidentified, and 16 are still trapped inside the charred structures. An additional 79 people were injured, including 12 firefighters. Among the dead is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who collapsed at the scene 30 minutes after losing radio contact.
Rescue and Recovery Underway
Families of the missing have gathered at a nearby community hall, providing photographs to aid identification. Shelters and support centers have been established for displaced residents, with volunteers distributing clothing, hygiene supplies, and other essentials.
Safety Failures and Public Outrage
Residents reported that fire alarms across all eight blocks failed to activate effectively. One witness told the BBC that construction workers had disabled some alarms. Online discussions have revived prior complaints about exorbitant renovation fees and the use of non-compliant, flammable materials.
Anger has mounted as questions swirl over accountability. "We watched our homes burn gradually," a former resident told the BBC. "There was nothing we could do."
"We have reason to believe that those in charge at the company were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties."
Hong Kong Police Spokesperson
Background: Wang Fuk Court
The 1983-built Wang Fuk Court complex housed 1,984 apartments for roughly 4,600 residents, nearly 40% of whom were aged 65 or older, per a 2021 census. The subsidized housing estate had been undergoing renovations when the fire erupted.
Hong Kong's previous deadliest fire, in 1948, killed 176 people after a warehouse explosion.
International Workers Among Victims
A migrant charity confirmed two Indonesian nationals working on the buildings perished in the blaze. Indonesian and Filipino workers remain unaccounted for. "It was scary and confusing," said Fita, an Indonesian worker who escaped. "I'm grateful to be safe, but I'm worried about friends I haven't seen since."
