CHINA – Hong Kong Fire Rescue Efforts Nearly Finished as Death Toll Climbs to 128

A devastating fire that broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po on Wednesday has now resulted in at least 128 confirmed deaths, with as many as 200 people still unaccounted for. Authorities said on Friday that major rescue operations are close to completion. The blaze, one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fires, spread rapidly through seven of the estate’s eight towers, which house more than 4,600 residents.

Through Friday morning, firefighters continued working floor by floor in the damaged towers. Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Services, said teams were focusing on units that had sent unanswered emergency calls during the fire. Crews intend to force entry into every affected apartment to ensure no further casualties remain.

Although most flames were contained by early Friday, isolated fires continued to burn, prompting authorities to remain cautious about the risk of reignition.

Police and Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency have launched a joint investigation into how the fire started and spread so quickly. Three individuals associated with the construction company responsible for the estate’s long-term renovation have been arrested.

Particular scrutiny has been placed on the bamboo scaffolding, green mesh coverings, and highly flammable styrofoam window panels found near elevator shafts — all potential contributors to the rapid spread of the fire.

The tragedy has intensified calls for stronger fire-safety requirements in the construction sector. Lee Kwong-sing, chair of the Hong Kong Institute of Safety Practitioner, noted that existing labour codes recommend flame-retardant materials but do not make them mandatory. He argued that legally enforcing such standards could significantly reduce risks in future projects.

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