At least 94 dead and scores missing in Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades

Families continued searching hospitals on Friday for loved ones still missing after Hong Kongs deadliest fire in decades, while firefighters combed the remaining apartments in the charred Wang Fuk Court estate. The confirmed death toll has now risen to at least 94.

The blaze began Wednesday afternoon in the northern Tai Po district, quickly engulfing all eight buildings of the complex and raging for more than 36 hours. Authorities have launched investigations into the fires origins, including examining the bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh used during renovations.

On Friday, workers carried black body bags from the burnt-out apartments. A journalist from AFP observed four being removed in just 15 minutes. Vehicles transported multiple bodies to a mortuary in Sha Tin, where families were expected to identify the deceased later in the day. The exact number of missing persons has not been updated since early Thursday.

At a Sha Tin hospital, a woman surnamed Wong searched for her sister-in-law and her twin sister. We still cannot find them, so we are going to different hospitals hoping for news, the 38-year-old said tearfully. We were at the Prince of Wales Hospital on the first day with no news, and we also came here yesterday.

Authorities reported that over 50 people remained hospitalized on Friday, with 12 in critical condition and 28 in serious condition.

The twins were last in contact with family less than an hour before the fire erupted on Wednesday. A 77-year-old eyewitness, Mui, described the rapid spread: One building went up in flames and it spread to two more blocks in less than 15 minutes. It was very quick. It was burning red; I shudder to think about it.

The fire service stated that search and rescue operations were ongoing for 25 outstanding requests and that all flats would be checked by Friday morning. Thin trails of smoke were still visible, though the fire had been contained to four of the estates nearly 2,000 units.

This tragedy is the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948, when an explosion and subsequent fire killed at least 135 people. While deadly fires were once common in densely populated areas, improved safety measures have reduced their frequency.

Investigations into the renovation work were announced by Hong Kongs anti-corruption agency on Thursday, shortly after police arrested three men suspected of negligently leaving foam packaging at the site. Residents reported that no fire alarms sounded, forcing them to warn neighbors door-to-door.

City leaders pledged immediate inspections of all major renovation projects. Lee, the citys leader, emphasized safety, while Eric Chan, the second-ranking official, called for a rapid transition to metal scaffolding.

Among the 94 confirmed dead as of Thursday night were a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian migrant workers. The government established a HK$300 million ($38.5 million) relief fund for victims and opened nine shelters, providing temporary accommodation and emergency support for displaced residents.

Preparations for Hong Kongs December 7 legislative elections were temporarily halted. Some evacuated residents in nearby buildings were allowed to return home on Thursday afternoon.

A spontaneous community response quickly became organized. At a local square, stations were set up for clothes, food, household items, and medical and psychological support. Donations exceeded needs, prompting organizers to announce that no further contributions were necessary. Its truly touching, said 38-year-old Stone Ngai, one of the volunteer coordinators. When someone is in trouble, everyone helps... it shows the Hong Kong spirit of love and solidarity.

Author's Comment: A Tragic Wake-Up Call for Hong Kong

The devastation caused by the fire at Wang Fuk Court has shaken Hong Kong to its core, with the death toll now at a heartbreaking 94. As families continue their search for missing loved ones, the city is left grappling with questions of safety and accountability. This tragedy, the deadliest fire Hong Kong has seen in decades, highlights the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, especially during renovations.

The fire, which engulfed all eight buildings of the complex in less than 15 minutes, underscores the critical role that building materials, like bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh, play in preventing such disasters. Early reports suggest that faulty construction materials may have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. The involvement of the anti-corruption agency in investigating potential negligence raises serious concerns about the safety measures, or lack thereof, in the renovation process.

In the aftermath of the fire, the community response has been nothing short of inspiring. Volunteers have organized donation stations, providing immediate relief to those affected, while the government has launched a relief fund for victims. But as heartwarming as the outpouring of support has been, it’s clear that Hong Kong’s leaders must take concrete actions to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.

At the core of this incident lies a pressing question: how did a fire of this magnitude spread so quickly, and what steps will be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again? The investigation must not only focus on the immediate causes of the fire but also examine the broader systemic issues that allowed such a disaster to unfold in the first place.

As Hong Kong mourns the loss of so many lives, one thing is clear: this fire is a wake-up call for the city’s leaders, residents, and authorities to reassess building safety and the integrity of renovation work. The victims and their families deserve more than just immediate support—they deserve lasting change to ensure that no such tragedy is repeated.

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• Hong Kong's deadliest blaze in decades kills at least 94, scores missing