Hong Kong's Deadliest Fire in Decades
Four days after a devastating fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, the death toll has risen to 146 people with more than 40 still missing. The blaze, which started on November 26, 2025, has become Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948, surpassing the 1996 Garley Building fire that killed 41 people.
Rescue teams have searched four of the seven affected 32-story towers, but officials warn it could take weeks to complete the operation due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions inside the charred buildings. 'The remaining buildings are the most difficult,' a police commander stated during a press conference, highlighting the challenges facing emergency crews.
Massive Residential Complex Engulfed
The Wang Fuk Court complex housed approximately 4,600 residents across 2,000 apartments in eight towers. The fire rapidly spread through seven of the buildings that were undergoing extensive renovations, with flammable materials including foam insulation and protective netting accelerating the blaze. Authorities have arrested 11 people, including construction company directors and engineering consultants, on suspicion of manslaughter and corruption related to the use of unsafe materials.
The Hong Kong government has organized temporary housing for 1,800 displaced residents and plans to provide 2,000 long-term replacement homes. The entire disaster area remains cordoned off as forensic and technical investigations continue, though officials have confirmed there's no immediate risk of structural collapse.
Community Mourning and Memorials
A sea of flowers has formed at the disaster site as Hong Kong residents queue for kilometers to pay their respects. 'I've never seen such a long line of people wanting to show their support,' a local journalist reported, describing queues stretching nearly 2 kilometers by evening.
In the surrounding neighborhood, residents have created memorial displays with post-it notes on windows bearing messages like 'Hong Kong, stay strong' and 'rest in peace.' These displays evoke memories of the Lennon Wall from Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, where thousands of post-its expressed political sentiments.
Political Tensions and Arrests
The tragedy has sparked political tensions, with police arresting a 24-year-old student who started a petition demanding an independent investigation into the fire and better oversight of construction sites. The student faces charges of incitement after making critical comments about the city government.
Beijing has warned it will use national security laws to crack down on any 'anti-China' protests following the disaster. Police tents appeared at locations where residents had previously gathered to mourn, and authorities have restricted donation distribution at the disaster site.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched investigations into potential misconduct and bribery related to the renovation project. Residents had raised concerns about fire safety hazards for nearly a year before the blaze, with labor department officials conducting 16 inspections and issuing multiple warnings about the renovation work.
The fire took 40 hours to fully extinguish and injured 79 people, including 12 firefighters. One firefighter lost his life during rescue operations. The tragedy has prompted China to order a nationwide investigation of fire risks in high-rise buildings undergoing renovation, with experts calling for stricter building regulations and mandatory flame-retardant requirements for construction materials.