Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades Claims at Least 94 Lives; Dozens Still Missing

 

Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades Claims at Least 94 Lives; Dozens Still Missing

Families of the many still missing after Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades searched hospitals on Friday, while firefighters combed through the last scorched flats of the devastated housing estate. The death toll has risen to at least 94.

The blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district and rapidly swept through its eight buildings, turning the complex into an inferno that burned for more than 36 hours. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, including whether bamboo scaffolding and plastic netting used for major renovation work contributed to the fire’s spread.

On Friday, workers were seen removing black body bags from the burnt towers—an AFP reporter counted four in just 15 minutes. In nearby Sha Tin, multiple bodies were delivered to a mortuary, where families were expected to arrive later for identification. Officials have not updated the number of missing persons since early Thursday.

At Sha Tin Hospital, a woman surnamed Wong searched for her sister-in-law and her twin sister, last heard from less than an hour before the fire began. “We still cannot find them,” she said tearfully, explaining that the family had been visiting different hospitals in hopes of news.

More than 50 people remain hospitalised, with 12 in critical condition and 28 seriously injured.

Eyewitnesses described how the flames consumed the estate with shocking speed. “One building went up in flames and it spread to two more blocks in less than 15 minutes,” said a 77-year-old resident surnamed Mui. “It was terrifying.”

By Friday morning, small plumes of white smoke were still rising from the complex. Fire officials said they would break into all remaining flats in the estate to respond to the final 25 emergency requests and complete rescue operations.

Deadliest Fire Since 1948

This was Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when an explosion and subsequent blaze killed at least 135 people. Although major fires were once common in the city’s densely populated districts, improved safety measures have significantly reduced such disasters in recent decades.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency opened an investigation into the renovation work at the complex, while police arrested three men for allegedly leaving foam packaging at the fire site. Several residents told AFP they never heard fire alarms and had to knock on doors to alert neighbours.

Following the tragedy, city leader John Lee ordered immediate inspections of all housing estates undergoing major renovation. Hong Kong’s Deputy Chief Eric Chan also urged a swift transition to safer metal scaffolding.

Among the 94 confirmed dead as of early Friday were a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian migrant domestic workers. The government announced a HK$300 million (US$38.5 million) relief fund for victims. Authorities also opened nine shelters and arranged temporary housing and emergency financial assistance for displaced residents. Campaign activities for the December 7 legislative elections have been suspended.

Community Mobilises to Help Survivors

Some residents of nearby towers evacuated as a precaution were allowed to return home on Thursday.

By Friday, a large community-driven relief effort had taken shape. Volunteers in a nearby square set up organised distribution stations for clothing, food, household goods, and medical and psychological support. Donations were so abundant that organisers eventually asked the public to stop sending more supplies.

“It’s truly moving,” said 38-year-old Stone Ngai, one of the volunteers. “When someone faces hardship, the people of Hong Kong always come together. It shows how much love and solidarity there is here.”