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Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Rises to 146 as Investigation Expands
The death toll from Wednesday's catastrophic fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has climbed to 146, authorities confirmed Sunday, with 150 people still unaccounted for and 79 injured. Police warned that further fatalities remain possible as recovery efforts continue.
Blaze Engulfs Seven High-Rise Towers
The fire ravaged seven of eight residential towers at the Wang Fuk Court complex, spreading rapidly due to flammable exterior materials, including plastic netting and bamboo scaffolding-a common but controversial construction method in the city. Firefighters battled the flames for 40 hours, deploying over 2,000 personnel before fully extinguishing the blaze on Friday.
Temperatures inside the buildings reached 500°C (932°F), according to the fire department. Among the victims was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, found collapsed at the scene 30 minutes after contact was lost. Twelve other firefighters sustained injuries.
National Mourning and Public Outpouring
Hong Kong began three days of national mourning on Saturday, marked by a three-minute silence and flags flown at half-staff. Thousands gathered at the site, forming queues up to 2 km (1.2 miles) long to lay flowers and handwritten tributes. Indonesian worker Romlah Rosidah told Reuters she was "very surprised" by the turnout, noting the event's viral spread on social media had galvanized public solidarity. A Filipino worker added they joined to "show the Hong Kong community that we are one in this situation."
"This event was only spread on social media, but [it] turned out their hearts moved."
Romlah Rosidah, Indonesian worker, via Reuters
Corruption Probes and Safety Failures
Eight individuals, including directors of an engineering firm and scaffolding subcontractors, were arrested on corruption charges linked to the towers' renovations. Three others face manslaughter allegations. Police allege "gross negligence" by company leaders allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed the arrests, while Hong Kong's buildings department halted work on 30 private projects pending safety reviews.
Residents reported malfunctioning fire alarms across all eight blocks. Authorities also detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition after he joined calls for an independent inquiry into the disaster.
Historical Context and Demographic Impact
Built in 1983, Wang Fuk Court housed 4,600 residents in 1,984 subsidized apartments, with nearly 40% aged 65 or older. The fire is Hong Kong's deadliest in over 70 years, surpassing a 1948 warehouse explosion that killed 176. The 1918 Happy Valley Racecourse fire remains the deadliest on record, with over 600 fatalities.
Investigators expect the probe to take three to four weeks, with searches of four towers completed so far. Indonesia's consulate confirmed seven of its nationals perished, while the Philippines reported one citizen's death.
What's Next
Authorities will continue evidence collection and body recovery operations, with updates expected as the investigation progresses. The disaster has reignited debates over construction safety standards and the use of bamboo scaffolding in high-rise projects.
