Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades kills 94, triggers citywide safety review and HK$300m relief effort

The death toll from the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen to 94, following updated figures released on the morning of Friday, 28 November.

Among the deceased is a 37-year-old firefighter. Another 76 people have been injured, including 11 firefighters, while 25 emergency calls for help remain unresolved.

Authorities had earlier said that contact had been lost with 279 individuals, but as of Friday morning, no updated figures on the number of missing persons have been provided. It remains unclear how many people may still be unaccounted for inside the estate.

Rescue and firefighting operations continue across the scorched estate, where some 4,800 residents lived in nearly 2,000 flats across eight residential towers.

Firefighters have reported evacuating several survivors, including an elderly man, a woman, and several pets. As of 07:00, flames were still burning on an upper floor in one tower, with aerial ladders deployed to douse the remaining fire.

Rapid fire spread and material failures

The fire broke out on the afternoon of Wednesday (26 Nov), at approximately 14:51. According to fire officials, the blaze began on the bamboo scaffolding surrounding a 32-storey tower under renovation and rapidly engulfed seven of the estate’s eight buildings.

Community-shared photos and videos suggest the fire initially appeared small at the ground level but escalated dramatically within a span of just 10 minutes.

The renovation work, which began in July 2024, involved green mesh netting and bamboo scaffolding. A preliminary investigation found that highly flammable styrofoam was used to seal lift windows on each floor.

Authorities say these materials, in addition to non-compliant external sheeting, caused the fire to spread rapidly through corridors and into residential flats.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan said the blaze spread “exceptionally fast” and access was severely hindered by high temperatures, poor visibility, and collapsed scaffolding. Emergency vehicles were also blocked by debris.

Arrests and criminal probe

Three individuals — two company directors and a consultant — from the contractor responsible for the renovation works have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Police allege they used non-compliant materials that violated fire safety regulations, contributing directly to the scale of the disaster.

Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has also launched a parallel investigation into potential corruption linked to the HK$330 million (US$42.5 million) renovation project.

Government response and investigations

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has ordered immediate inspections of all public housing estates currently undergoing major renovations.

“While bamboo scaffolding has a long history in Hong Kong, its flame retardancy is inferior to that of metal scaffolding,” said Eric Chan. He added that the government would begin working with the construction industry to transition to metal scaffolding in appropriate projects.

Authorities have pledged full accountability. “A criminal investigation is under way to establish responsibility,” said Chan. Search and rescue efforts remain active, with workers attempting to access all affected units.

Derek Armstrong Chan, Deputy Director of Fire Services Operations, said: “Our firefighting operation is almost complete. What’s next is the search and rescue operation.”

As of Friday morning, some 56 people remain in hospital. Around 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight.

Community response and aid

The fire has triggered an outpouring of support from across the city. Residents have lined up at blood donation centres to aid victims, while businesses and community groups have pledged significant aid.

At least 30 business groups and charitable foundations have collectively pledged over HK$700 million (US$90 million) in donations. The Hong Kong Jockey Club contributed the largest amount at HK$170 million.

The government has also launched an emergency assistance fund. Each affected household will receive HK$10,000 (US$1,285), with a HK$300 million (US$38.6 million) fund established for wider relief and recovery work.

Chief Executive Lee welcomed donations from private organisations and individuals, adding that longer-term housing and rehabilitation support would follow.

Public mourning and safety measures

Flags at government buildings will be flown at half-mast, though a date has not yet been announced. The administration will also cancel or postpone all government-organised celebratory events.

Authorities will arrange memorial services and set up designated mourning areas where members of the public can write condolence messages. The civil service has been mobilised to support post-disaster operations.

Ongoing challenges and unanswered questions

Despite ongoing efforts, officials have not updated the number of missing individuals. On Thursday morning, Lee said contact had been lost with 279 residents.

As of Friday, no revised figures have been provided, and it remains unclear how many people are still unaccounted for. Authorities say search operations will continue until every apartment has been entered and cleared.

The Wang Fuk Court tragedy is now considered the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades. The previous worst fire occurred in November 1996, when 41 people died in a commercial building blaze in Kowloon.