Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Reaches 128 as Investigation Unfolds

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has resulted in a rising death toll, which now stands at 128. Authorities reported on March 15, 2024 that recovery efforts are ongoing, with more bodies discovered in the charred remains of the complex. The blaze, which broke out on March 13, engulfed seven of the complex’s eight towers, marking one of the deadliest fires in the city’s history.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang updated the media at the site, confirming that the search for victims continues and warned that the number of casualties could still increase. The fire was finally extinguished on March 15 after nearly 24 hours of relentless efforts by over 1,000 firefighters.

Firefighters are meticulously searching through each apartment, focusing on units that received over two dozen emergency calls during the fire. Unfortunately, due to the fire’s intensity, many of these calls went unanswered. Derek Armstrong Chan, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Fire Services, stated, “Our firefighting operation is almost complete.” However, the final search of the buildings was expected to conclude later on the same day.

The fire initiated in one of the towers during the afternoon and rapidly spread to others, aided by bamboo scaffolding and netting used for renovation work. Smoke continued to billow from the structures long after the fire was under control, indicating the potential for flare-ups.

At the time of the fire, the complex housed nearly 4,800 residents, spread across approximately 2,000 apartments. John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, disclosed that officials had been unable to make contact with 279 residents. Authorities are committed to ensuring no one is left unaccounted for, with Chan emphasizing the need to enter all units of the affected blocks.

Injuries from the blaze are significant, with reports indicating that more than 70 people, including 11 firefighters, suffered various injuries. Approximately 900 people have been placed in temporary shelters as the aftermath of the fire continues to unfold.

Investigation into the cause of the fire has led to several arrests. The Hong Kong anti-corruption agency is probing potential corruption associated with the renovation project. Three individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police suspect gross negligence may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Authorities have indicated that materials used in the renovation may not have met fire resistance standards, which could have exacerbated the situation. Reports also surfaced that some fire alarm systems in the buildings were malfunctioning.

In a concerning discovery, police found highly flammable plastic foam panels near elevator lobbies on each floor of the unaffected tower. The purpose of these panels remains unclear, but they are believed to have been installed by the construction company.

In response to this tragedy, authorities plan immediate inspections of other housing estates undergoing major renovations to ensure compliance with safety standards. The fire at Wang Fuk Court stands as the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon commercial building fire that claimed 41 lives.

As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the profound loss and seeks answers regarding the safety of residential buildings in the city.