Hong Kong, Nov 28: Hong Kong authorities said on Friday that the search-and-rescue mission at the fire-hit Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po is close to concluding, as the confirmed death toll rose to 94, making it one of the deadliest urban fires in the city’s history.
Fire Spread Rapidly Through Scaffolding
The blaze erupted on Wednesday while the seven-tower estate was undergoing renovation. Thick bamboo scaffolding and green protective netting wrapped around the buildings helped the fire spread swiftly from lower floors to the top, trapping dozens of residents inside their apartments.
Firefighters battled the blaze for hours and conducted floor-by-floor searches in dangerously unstable sections. Officials warned that the final toll might still rise as teams complete checks in severely burned units.
Families Still Searching for Missing Relatives
Several families are still awaiting updates on missing loved ones. Community centres and temporary shelters have been set up to help residents identify victims and submit information about those unaccounted for.
The estate housed about 4,600 people, including elderly residents and hundreds of migrant domestic workers from the Philippines and Indonesia. A number of foreign workers are feared to be among the victims, authorities said.
Three Construction Executives Arrested
Police confirmed the arrest of three people linked to the renovation project — two company directors and an engineering consultant. All three are under investigation for suspected manslaughter and negligence related to the use of highly flammable materials around the building.
The scaffolding system used during the renovation has come under intense scrutiny. Officials indicated that Hong Kong may re-evaluate regulations on bamboo scaffolding, long considered a traditional but vulnerable technique in high-rise construction.
Hundreds Displaced, Relief Efforts Underway
More than 900 residents have been displaced due to the extensive structural damage. Schools, malls and community halls in the district are offering emergency accommodation, food supplies and medical assistance.
Local volunteers have been distributing water, clothes and hygiene kits, while psychological counselling teams have been deployed to assist traumatised survivors.
One of Hong Kong’s Worst Residential Disasters
Authorities described the incident as a “multi-tower catastrophe” that exposed long-standing challenges in fire safety, building maintenance and overcrowded public estates.
The Hong Kong government has promised a full investigation and long-term support for affected families.
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