HONG-KONG: The death toll from the devastating blaze at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex has risen to 146, authorities confirmed Sunday, as rescue teams continue combing through the charred high-rises.
Investigators have been moving carefully through the dark, smoke-damaged structures, recovering bodies from apartments and rooftops across the sprawling eight-tower estate.
Police say more than 100 residents remain unaccounted for, while at least 79 people sustained injuries. Mourners have gathered at the site, laying flowers, praying, and offering messages of solidarity to survivors who lost family members and homes in the fire.
The blaze began Wednesday on the lower scaffolding of one building, quickly spreading through foam-insulated windows and engulfing seven towers.
Authorities are probing whether safety violations especially the use of flammable foam panels and blocked windows intensified the disaster.
In response, Hong Kong has suspended 28 ongoing projects by the contractor responsible for Wang Fuk Court’s renovations. Multiple arrests have been made, including company directors, engineering consultants, and scaffolding subcontractors, with authorities citing suspected manslaughter and gross negligence.
Among the dead are several Indonesian and Filipino migrant workers, prompting vigils and appeals for support from community groups. Thousands of displaced residents are now in temporary shelters as the government begins longer-term relocation plans.
China has ordered nationwide inspections of high-rise buildings, focusing on fire alarms, sprinkler systems, hydrants, scaffolding, and non-flame-retardant safety nets.
The Wang Fuk Court blaze is now Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948.
