National and Hong Kong flags fly at half-mast until Monday after Wang Fuk Court fire, with 128 dead

Flags across Hong Kong and its overseas offices will remain at half-mast until Monday, 1 December 2025, as the city continues to mourn the 128 confirmed victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire—the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in 70 years.

The fire broke out at 2.51pm on Wednesday, 26 November, and rapidly escalated into a No 5 alarm, the city’s highest classification. It injured 79 people, including 12 firefighters, and left approximately 150 others unaccounted for.

The flames swept through seven of the estate’s eight residential blocks, reportedly fuelled by flammable styrofoam insulation used in renovation works that had begun in July 2024. The buildings were also covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, which further accelerated the fire’s spread.

A criminal investigation is under way to determine the cause of the fire and whether negligence or corruption played a role. Eleven arrests have been made—eight by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and three by police on suspicion of manslaughter.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other senior officials observed a three-minute silence on Saturday morning. Public condolence books have been placed in all 18 districts and are open daily until Monday, 9am to 9pm.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, 29 November, Assistant Police Commissioner Lam Man-han confirmed that the on-site investigation is expected to conclude within three to four weeks.

She stated that over 600 officers from the Disaster Victims Identification Unit have completed investigation and recovery operations at two buildings—Wang Yan House and Wang Tao House—where the fires were first extinguished. No additional human remains have been found in these blocks.

Lam also noted the rescue of three cats and a turtle, which have since been handed over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

She highlighted the challenges officers are facing due to flooding, collapsed structures, and narrow, dark conditions that have slowed progress.

Lam confirmed that the force will now proceed with investigations in the remaining buildings.

When asked by reporters, Chief Superintendent Karen Tsang Shuk-yin, head of the Police Casualty Enquiry Unit, acknowledged that the number of confirmed dead could increase, as further remains may be discovered in blocks that have not yet been fully searched.

At present, 44 of the 128 bodies remain unidentified. Police have matched 84 victims with previously reported missing persons. Tsang said that around 150 people remain unreachable, noting that many reports contain only vague details such as nicknames or uncertain addresses. Officers are contacting each informant individually.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said that more than 3,200 individuals from over 1,300 households have been contacted. Residents not in shelters or not yet registered are urged to call the government hotline at 182183.

Affected families are being supported by two to three assigned civil servants, along with a social worker, to assist with errands, administrative procedures, and emergency aid applications.

The government’s relief fund has reached HK$1.3 billion (US$166.7 million), including HK$1 billion in public donations and a HK$300 million government contribution.

Emergency subsidies of HK$10,000 (US$1,285) are being distributed at an aid centre set up at Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School. As of Friday, 929 households had received payments. Home and Youth Affairs Secretary Alice Mak warned against fraudulent claims, noting that anyone living at the affected premises at the time of the fire—regardless of tenancy—can apply.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing has asked the public to pause further donations, citing current resource surplus. A central sorting centre has been established at Tai Po Community Centre, and donors are advised to check by WhatsApp before delivering supplies.

International concerns are growing as well. Seven Indonesian domestic workers have been confirmed among the dead. Nineteen Filipino nationals remain missing. Authorities say special arrangements are being coordinated with the respective consulates.

As of Saturday, nearly 1,100 people have been relocated to temporary accommodation, including hotels, youth hostels, and transitional housing.

While the fires have been brought under control, the road to recovery remains long. Officials are balancing search operations, victim identification, support services, and a broader investigation into how such a catastrophic event unfolded in a residential complex undergoing routine renovations.