President Lai extends condolences over Hong Kong fire as death toll climbs and rescue efforts continue
Taiwan President William Lai has expressed condolences over the fatal fire at a Hong Kong housing estate that killed 94 people. Taiwanese authorities confirmed no citizens were affected as Hong Kong continues rescue and recovery efforts.
- Taiwan President William Lai expressed condolences on 27 November, when 44 people were confirmed dead.
- Lai urged prayers for the injured and missing, as hundreds remained unaccounted for.
- The death toll has since risen to 94, with investigations ongoing into unsafe renovation materials and contractor negligence.
Taiwanese President William Lai (賴清德) extended condolences on Thursday (27 Nov) to victims of the deadly fire that engulfed a public housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district.
Posting on X, Lai expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of the deceased and voiced concern for the injured and missing, urging the public to “pray for Hong Kong.”
At the time of his message, Hong Kong officials had confirmed 44 deaths, with more than 200 people reported missing and firefighting operations still under way.
Lai’s remarks were among the first expressions of sympathy from a regional leader following the incident.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council later stated that, based on information from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong, there were no reports of Taiwanese nationals affected by the fire.
Opposition figure Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), chairwoman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), also posted her condolences on Facebook, writing: “May the departed rest in peace and may all suffering families find strength again.”
Situation has worsened since initial statement
Since President Lai’s message, the confirmed death toll has more than doubled. As of Friday morning, 29 November, 94 people are confirmed dead, including a 37-year-old firefighter.
Another 76 people have been injured, and 25 emergency calls remain unresolved. Authorities have not updated the number of missing since Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on 28 November that contact had been lost with 279 individuals.
The fire, which broke out at approximately 14:51 on 26 November, spread rapidly from bamboo scaffolding surrounding a 32-storey tower undergoing renovations. It engulfed seven of the eight blocks in Wang Fuk Court.
Preliminary findings revealed highly flammable styrofoam was used to seal lift windows, and mesh sheeting on the building exteriors failed fire safety standards.
These factors, combined with windy conditions and obstructed access for emergency vehicles, caused the fire to spread quickly through corridors and into homes.
Arrests and investigations launched
Three people — two directors and a consultant from the contractor behind the renovation works — have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
A corruption probe has also been launched by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) into the HK$330 million (US$42.5 million) project.
In response, the Hong Kong government has announced a HK$300 million relief fund, promised HK$10,000 per affected household, and ordered urgent safety inspections of all public housing sites undergoing major repairs.
The use of bamboo scaffolding, common in Hong Kong construction, will also be reviewed, with officials now considering a transition to fire-resistant metal alternatives.
Community response
Hong Kong residents have turned out in large numbers to donate blood, while more than 30 business groups and charities have pledged at least HK$700 million (US$90 million) in aid.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has made the largest single contribution at HK$170 million.
Memorial services and mourning areas are being arranged, and flags at government buildings will be flown at half-mast, though no date has been announced.
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