Hong Kong has begun three days of
mourning after a fire at a Tai Po housing estate killed at least 128 people,
injured dozens and left many more unaccounted for.
HONG KONG — Hong Kong officials on
Saturday marked the beginning of a three-day mourning period for the victims of
the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. Authorities confirmed that
at least 128 people died after a blaze swept through seven residential towers
at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district earlier this week. Dozens more were
injured and more than 150 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to
government updates.
What happened?
Officials held a moment of silence
outside government headquarters on Saturday morning, led by Chief Executive
John Lee, who was joined by senior city officials and emergency services
representatives. Flags of both Hong Kong and mainland China were flown at half-mast
as part of the commemorations. Authorities have set up multiple public memorial
points where residents can leave floral tributes and sign condolence books.
The fire broke out on Wednesday and
rapidly escalated, engulfing seven of the estate’s eight towers. According to
preliminary assessments by Hong Kong’s fire service, the flames spread
unusually quickly due to flammable external materials, including polystyrene
panels and plastic netting used around scaffolding. The entire complex was
undergoing renovation at the time, and the buildings were surrounded by bamboo
scaffolding, a long-standing but increasingly scrutinised construction practice
in the city.
More than 2,000 firefighters battled the
blaze for nearly two days before bringing it under control. Authorities say the
cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are underway.
The incident has prompted widespread
public concern in a city characterised by high-density living and extensive
reliance on older residential blocks. The scale of the tragedy has revived
longstanding debates about fire safety regulations, building maintenance
standards and the oversight of renovation projects in Hong Kong.
Officials said the failure of fire
alarms across all eight buildings significantly impaired evacuation efforts.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court reported that alarms were broken or malfunctioning
before the incident, raising questions about maintenance responsibilities and
regulatory compliance. Analysts note that the event has triggered broader
discussions about construction safety practices, including the continued use of
bamboo scaffolding in major renovation works.
The deaths mark the highest casualty
count from a structural fire in Hong Kong since the mid-20th century,
underscoring the scale of the disaster and the urgency of the official
response.
Wang Fuk Court is a public housing
estate built in 1983, comprising 1,984 apartments housing an estimated 4,600
residents, according to a 2021 government census. Many of the buildings were
undergoing refurbishment, a process that included external repairs and façade
renovation. Similar projects are common throughout Hong Kong as the city works
to modernize aging housing stock.
Bamboo scaffolding has been widely used
in Hong Kong for generations due to its flexibility and low cost. However,
safety experts have previously raised concerns regarding its flammability when
combined with synthetic netting and renovation debris. Authorities have not
indicated whether policy changes will follow the investigation, but observers
say renewed scrutiny of construction materials and fire safety protocols is
likely.
Reactions and commentary
Officials said a full investigation has
already begun, with police and fire authorities collecting evidence from the
scene. Investigators will examine renovation records, materials used on the
building exteriors and the condition of fire safety equipment.
Eight individuals have been arrested on
suspicion of corruption linked to the renovation works, according to the
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Those detained include
engineering company directors and scaffolding subcontractors. Police earlier
arrested three people on manslaughter-related charges in connection with the
incident.
Analysts note that public anger has
intensified as questions about accountability grow. Observers say concerns
about safety oversight, regulatory enforcement and contractor management have
become central to the discussion, particularly as residents report previous
issues with fire alarms and building maintenance.
What comes next
Officials said the investigation will
continue over the coming weeks. The government has not yet announced any policy
measures but has stated that findings from the inquiry will guide future
decisions. Authorities have indicated that building inspections, contractor
compliance checks and fire safety audits may be expanded as part of the
response.
Emergency services are continuing search
and recovery operations within the affected buildings. The government said it
will provide support to displaced residents, including temporary accommodation
and counselling services.
RELEVANT DATA POINTS
- Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department (2021): Wang Fuk Court housed approximately 4,600 residents in 1,984 units.
- Hong Kong Fire Services Department: Preliminary findings indicate fire alarms in all eight blocks were not functioning effectively.
- Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) press release: Eight individuals arrested in corruption probe related to renovation works.
EDITORIAL CREDITS
Author: James Thornton
Editor-in-Chief: Maria Perez