Hong Kong authorities say death toll in high-rise apartment fires rises to 94

Devastating Fire in Hong Kong

A massive fire swept through Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of at least 94 people. The fire broke out on a Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread across seven of the eight towers in the complex. Most victims were found in the first two buildings that caught fire, and the blaze has been described as the deadliest in the city since 1948, when a warehouse fire killed 176 people.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Firefighters conducted a meticulous search of each apartment in the complex to locate survivors, prioritizing units from which over two dozen distress calls were received but access was hindered. The authorities expect to conclude the search and rescue operations soon. Over 70 people were injured, including 11 firefighters, and nearly 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. The fire was intensified by bamboo scaffolding wrapped in netting caught ablaze during renovation work on the site.

Investigation and Response

Three contractors involved in renovation work have been detained under a manslaughter investigation related to the fire. The city's fire department and government are taking measures following the tragedy, which is considered Hong Kong’s worst fire in nearly eighty years. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in public housing, especially during renovations.

"Our firefighting operation is nearly finished," said Wong Ka Wing, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Fire Services, emphasizing the efforts involved in controlling the blaze and searching for victims.

Impact on Residents

The fire left scores of people missing, with families enduring nights in shelters and some camping in nearby malls. Authorities have not yet finalized the count of missing persons, pending the completion of official verification. Emergency crews focused on rescuing individuals trapped on higher floors where the fire was last contained.

This tragedy highlights the critical need for enhanced fire safety protocols, particularly during renovation projects in high-density residential buildings. Vigilance and stricter oversight could prevent future disasters of this magnitude.

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The Morning Call The Morning Call — 2025-11-28

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