Death Toll in Hong Kong Fire Rises to 94,
279 Still Missing in the City’s Worst Blaze in 77 Years
The death toll from a devastating fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 94, officials confirmed on Thursday night. Firefighters, residents, and several others were among the victims, while many remain critically injured or severely burned. Authorities have also reported that at least 279 people are still missing, raising fears that the final casualty count may increase further.
Fire Brought Under Control, Search Operations Continue
The blaze erupted early Thursday in the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district and spread rapidly across the multi-building structure. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee said that of the eight buildings in the complex, seven fires had been brought under control. Rescue teams have begun combing through the extinguished buildings, searching every flat, stairway, and corridor. Officials warned that more bodies may be discovered as the search continues.
Flammable Materials and Renovation Work Accelerated the Fire
Preliminary investigations reveal that the windows around the elevator lobbies on each floor were covered with highly flammable materials. These combustible coverings allowed the fire to spread rapidly from one floor to another.
Investigators also pointed to the renovation work outside the building. Plastic netting and bamboo scaffolding erected along the façade acted as fuel, enabling the fire to travel quickly up the structure. Authorities believe these factors together turned the complex into a massive firetrap within minutes.
Arrests Made in Connection With the Fire
Following the incident, police arrested senior officials of the construction company involved in the ongoing renovation. During raids on the company’s office, investigators seized project documents, tender files, employee lists, 14 computers, and three mobile phones. Authorities are now examining whether negligence or violations of safety regulations contributed to the tragedy.
Hundreds Still Unaccounted For
The Hong Kong government reported that contact with 279 individuals was lost soon after the fire broke out. Many residents were asleep at the time and may not have had time to escape. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the missing individuals are trapped inside the damaged buildings or evacuated elsewhere.
Emergency Shelters and Financial Aid for Victims
To support displaced residents, authorities have opened nine emergency shelters, where hundreds of survivors have taken refuge. Additional shelters will be opened if necessary.
The government has also announced the creation of a 38.6-million-US-dollar emergency relief fund for affected families. Across Hong Kong, citizens have begun donating essential supplies, including clothing, shoes, blankets, packaged food, and water. Social media platforms have also been flooded with posts sharing photos and details of missing individuals.
Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades
This tragedy is Hong Kong’s worst fire in 77 years. The last major incident of similar scale occurred in 1948, when a warehouse blaze killed 176 people.
The latest fire has reignited public debate over building safety regulations, renovation oversight, and fire compliance standards in densely populated residential blocks.
Source: Reuters
