Hong Kong authorities are preparing to conclude search and rescue operations following the city’s most devastating fire disaster in nearly eight decades. The catastrophic blaze that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district has resulted in a confirmed death toll of 94 individuals, with emergency crews continuing to address 25 unresolved distress calls.
The eight-tower residential estate, home to approximately 4,600 residents, became an inferno trap on Wednesday afternoon as flames rapidly spread through bamboo scaffolding and green mesh netting that enveloped the building during ongoing renovation works. Firefighters confronted extreme conditions including intense heat, suffocating smoke, and collapsing structures while attempting to reach occupants stranded on upper floors.
Law enforcement officials have taken decisive action, arresting three construction company executives from Prestige Construction on suspicion of manslaughter. Preliminary investigations suggest the use of highly flammable foam boarding materials contributed to the rapid fire propagation. Police Superintendent Eileen Chung stated there is substantial evidence indicating gross negligence by company responsible parties.
The tragedy has drawn parallels to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, prompting immediate government response. Hong Kong’s development bureau has initiated discussions regarding the phased replacement of traditional bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives as a safety enhancement measure.
Chief Executive John Lee announced the establishment of a HK$300 million (US$39 million) emergency relief fund to support affected residents. Meanwhile, temporary shelters have accommodated approximately 900 displaced persons, though many evacuees have chosen to sleep in nearby commercial spaces to conserve official shelter resources for those most vulnerable.
The incident represents Hong Kong’s deadliest structural fire since 1948, when a warehouse blaze claimed 176 lives. Among the confirmed fatalities are two Indonesian domestic workers, highlighting the devastating impact on the city’s substantial migrant worker community. Both Hong Kong and Chinese central government authorities have demonstrated rapid response to the tragedy, emphasizing its significance within the semi-autonomous region’s ongoing social landscape.