The death toll from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in almost eight decades has surged to 128, with around 200 residents still unaccounted for following the inferno that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po.
According to Malay Mail, authorities confirmed on Friday that firefighting operations have officially ended, but the scale of devastation continues to grow.
The massive fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly consumed all eight 32-storey towers in the estate.
Many of the buildings were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green renovation mesh, conditions that firefighters say helped the flames spread vertically and across blocks with alarming speed.
Fire alarms malfunctioned, officials say
Hong Kong Security Chief Chris Tang revealed that fire alarms inside the complex were not functioning properly, raising further questions about why the blaze escalated so catastrophically.
Rescue operations have concluded with at least 79 people injured, including 12 firefighters, and one firefighter killed in the line of duty.
Arrests over unsafe materials
Police have arrested three construction company officials from Prestige Construction — two directors and an engineering consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter.
Authorities allege that unsafe and highly flammable materials were used during ongoing maintenance works.
Investigators discovered foam boards blocking windows, scaffolding netting that burned far more aggressively than approved materials, and plastic sheeting that intensified the fire’s spread. Officers say more arrests have not been ruled out.
Families identifying victims from photos
With many bodies severely burned and unrecognisable, families are now being asked to identify victims from photographs taken by rescue workers.
Among those waiting for answers is Mirra Wong, whose parents lived in Wang Fuk Court. She told reporters she is still searching for news about her father as the number of confirmed deaths climbs.
The fire has also deeply affected the city’s migrant domestic worker community. Dozens of Filipina workers were in the buildings when the fire hit, with 19 still missing, while Indonesia’s consulate confirmed two Indonesian domestic workers were among the dead.
Hundreds of evacuees remain displaced
The Hong Kong government has pledged HK$300 million (RM159 million) in aid for affected residents. Major companies have also stepped forward with donations.
Still, hundreds of evacuees remain displaced, with some sleeping outside shopping malls, wrapped in blankets and huddled in makeshift tents. Volunteers have been handing out food, water, clothing and other essentials.
