The death toll from Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fire in decades has risen to at least 94, as firefighters rescued a survivor from the 16th floor of a high-rise a day after the blaze erupted at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po.
The fire, which broke out in the sprawling eight-building complex of nearly 2,000 units, has left scores injured, displaced hundreds, and prompted an urgent investigation into building safety and renovation practices.
By early Friday, authorities reported that the fire had been largely contained to four of the towers, though thick smoke and occasional sparks continued to rise from the charred structures.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to douse the buildings with water to prevent embers from reigniting and ensure the stability of the damaged high-rises.
At least 76 people were injured, including 11 firefighters, while city officials said “scores remain missing,” although the exact figure has not been updated since early Thursday. Firefighters have reportedly made contact with some missing residents, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
Residents described chaotic scenes as the fire spread rapidly through the buildings.
Many said they never heard a fire alarm and had to alert neighbors themselves. One resident recounted the frantic efforts, Ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, alerting the neighbours, telling them to leave, that’s what the situation was like,” said a man surnamed Suen.
“The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to save several buildings, and I felt it was far too slow.”
Investigators are examining the role of ongoing renovation in fueling the blaze. The towers had been wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green plastic mesh, part of a major upgrade project, and authorities have launched probes into the construction work.
Police have arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the site, which may have contributed to the fire’s intensity.
The human toll has been devastating. Among the confirmed dead are a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesians working as migrant domestic workers.
City officials have warned the toll could rise, with hundreds still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the inferno. Hospital authorities report at least 12 survivors remain in critical condition, with 28 others in a serious state.
“I cannot describe my feelings. There were children,” said a woman surnamed Cheung, who was searching for her relatives.
The tragedy has revived memories of Hong Kong’s earlier, frequent high-rise fires, though modern fire safety measures had made such disasters far less common. Authorities have now pledged immediate inspections of all housing estates undergoing major renovations.
“It is imperative to expedite the full transition to metal scaffolding,” said Hong Kong’s number-two official, Eric Chan, highlighting the dangers posed by flammable construction materials.
City authorities have set up nine shelters and established a HK$300 million relief fund to assist residents who lost their homes. Spontaneous aid efforts have also emerged, with volunteers distributing clothing, food, and information to displaced families.
“It’s truly touching,” said Stone Ngai, 38, one of the organizers of an impromptu aid station.
“The spirit of Hong Kong people is that when one is in trouble, everyone lends support… It shows that Hong Kong people are full of love.”
Sections of charred scaffolding fell from the towers in hellish scenes, as flames belched out from apartments into a sky glowing orange.
Authorities warned that wind and drifting debris likely helped the fire spread from one building to another. Some evacuated residents were allowed back into adjacent blocks on Thursday afternoon after emergency services deemed the areas safe.
With legislative elections set for December 7, city authorities have suspended campaign activities as a mark of respect for the victims and to focus on recovery efforts.
The full human and structural cost of the disaster is still being assessed, but it has already shaken Hong Kong, raising urgent questions about fire safety standards in densely populated high-rises and the oversight of renovation projects.
