The death toll from a fire which tore apart a public housing complex in Hong Kong has risen to 128, authorities said on Friday, with nearly 200 people still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue. Firefighters finally subdued the blaze 42 hours after it erupted, marking one of the deadliest fires the city has seen in decades.
According to Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang, at least 79 people sustained injuries in the inferno, which rapidly swept through several residential blocks in the Tai Po district. Tang noted that the number of casualties could rise, as the list of those missing includes individuals whose remains have yet to be identified.
The tragedy has rattled the densely populated city, known for its strict safety regulations and high construction standards. Many survivors—forced to spend a third night in temporary shelters—are demanding answers about how the fire escalated so quickly. Others continue to wait anxiously for news of loved ones who remain missing.
Officials say the fire is believed to have started on the lower floors of Wang Cheong House, Block 6 of the eight-building Wang Fuk Court complex, home to more than 4,000 residents, many of them elderly. The entire estate was under renovation at the time, wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green safety mesh—materials that authorities now confirm helped fuel the spread of the flames.
Investigators revealed that flammable polystyrene boards, reportedly linked to a construction company, were found blocking some windows. When the initial fire ignited the mesh nets, it quickly spread to the polystyrene, causing windows to shatter from intense heat and allowing the flames to jump to higher floors and adjacent buildings. Falling scaffolding and burning mesh further accelerated the spread.
Temperatures inside the buildings reportedly exceeded 500°C (930°F), creating extreme conditions for both residents and firefighters. Complicating matters, some units reignited even after firefighters had extinguished initial flames.
A post-blaze inspection uncovered a troubling detail: fire alarms across all eight towers were “not functional,” according to Fire Services Director Andy Yeung. It remains unclear whether the alarms were working at the time of the incident, though residents previously reported that no alarm sounded. Authorities say legal action will be taken over the safety violations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with findings expected in three to four weeks. Meanwhile, the city grapples with shock, grief, and growing demands for accountability in the wake of Hong Kong’s most lethal blaze in generations.
