A catastrophic fire that erupted Wednesday afternoon at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court complex has been extinguished after raging for over 40 hours, marking the city’s most devastating blaze since 1948. The inferno, which engulfed seven of the complex’s eight buildings, has officially claimed 128 lives with approximately 200 residents still unaccounted for, according to latest reports.
The tragedy unfolded with terrifying speed when flames ignited on bamboo scaffolding shrouded in nylon netting—safety installations meant for ongoing construction work. The fire rapidly consumed polystyrene panels covering windows, shattering glass and creating pathways for the blaze to penetrate residential units. Strong winds facilitated the fire’s jump between buildings in the densely packed complex.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into multiple safety failures, including whether the scaffolding netting met fire-resistant standards, why windows were covered with highly flammable foam panels, and why building fire alarms remained silent during the emergency. Law enforcement has already apprehended eleven individuals, including construction company directors, engineering consultants, scaffolding subcontractors, and renovation project managers.
Resident William Li, 40, described his narrow escape from his second-floor apartment after being alerted by his wife. “Everything went black before my eyes,” Li recounted to The Associated Press. “I thought to myself: I’m in serious trouble.” Despite initially detecting no signs of danger, Li found himself trapped by impenetrable black smoke when he attempted to exit his unit just eight minutes after the warning call.
The Wang Fuk Court complex, located in Tai Po’s suburban neighborhood north of Hong Kong’s urban center, houses over 4,600 residents, more than one-third of whom are seniors aged 65 or older according to Midland Realty data based on the 2021 census. The district represents one of Hong Kong’s designated “new towns” developed in the late 1970s, accommodating approximately 300,000 of the city’s 7.5 million residents across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Survivors now face devastating losses and uncertain futures. Seventy-year-old Ding Chan, who worked multiple jobs while her husband worked as an electrician, lamented the destruction of their home that took over a decade to pay off. “Where am I going to stay?” she asked, expressing the anxiety shared by hundreds displaced by the disaster.
The government has activated emergency assistance protocols, while community support has emerged through massive volunteer efforts and donations. Approximately 900 residents were relocated to emergency shelters, with off-duty medical professionals, social workers, and counselors providing critical support.
Li documented his harrowing experience on social media, generating overwhelming community response with his post receiving over 1,000 comments and nearly 10,000 shares. His account described hearing explosions, considering jumping from his window, and ultimately sheltering two disoriented neighbors while awaiting rescue. Firefighters eventually reached his unit via scaffolding, conducting daring rescues amid falling debris and extreme heat.
The emotional toll was palpable during Li’s reunion with his family. “My wife cried until her tears were completely dry,” he shared. “My daughter immediately rushed over to hug me saying ‘daddy didn’t die.’”
Despite the outpouring of immediate support, residents face long-term challenges. Li noted the practical limitations of aid: “No matter how many supplies are given, they are of little use—we can only carry what our two hands can hold.” The incident has raised urgent questions about construction safety standards and emergency preparedness in Hong Kong’s densely populated residential areas.