Hong Kong has plunged into a period of profound mourning following the city’s deadliest fire tragedy in decades, which has resulted in 128 confirmed fatalities with 200 individuals still unaccounted for. The catastrophic blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, home to approximately 2,000 households, was finally extinguished after a grueling 43-hour firefighting operation that concluded Friday morning.
The government has announced comprehensive relief measures, including HK$200,000 condolence payments to families of each victim and HK$50,000 allowances for affected households. A dedicated support fund has swelled to HK$800 million, combining government allocation and substantial public donations.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has declared a three-day mourning period beginning Saturday, with flags flying at half-mast at all government facilities and the cancellation of all publicly-funded celebratory events. The tragic incident has also prompted the cancellation of the torch relay and opening ceremony for the upcoming National Games for Persons with Disabilities.
Investigation into the fire’s cause continues, with the Independent Commission Against Corruption making eight additional arrests on Friday, bringing the total detainees to eleven. Those arrested include directors from both the architectural consultancy firm Will Power Architects Company and the registered contractor Prestige Construction & Engineering Co.
Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung revealed the fire likely originated near lower-floor mesh netting and spread rapidly due to highly flammable styrofoam window attachments. Structural safety assessments are now underway before police commence detailed investigation and search operations in extremely challenging conditions, with some areas still exceeding 200°C.
The firefighting effort represented an unprecedented mobilization, deploying 391 fire engines and 2,311 personnel. Tragically, one firefighter lost their life during operations, with twelve others injured—one remains in intensive care.
Fire Services Director Andy Yeung addressed public queries about equipment limitations, explaining that helicopter deployment was deemed too dangerous due to downwash effects, while taller aerial ladder trucks require stabilization space unavailable on Hong Kong’s narrow streets.
The central government has pledged full support, with senior officials from the Liaison Office and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office visiting temporary shelters and meeting displaced residents. Education authorities are providing schools with emergency funding for psychological counseling and essential supplies, while organizing seminars to help teachers and parents support traumatized children.
International solidarity has emerged with the Macao government donating HK$30 million, reflecting the deep bonds between the special administrative regions. Total donations from within and outside Hong Kong have exceeded HK$1 billion, demonstrating widespread support for the devastated community.