The death toll from the Hong Kong high-rise fire has climbed to 94 as rescue teams near the final sweep of the complex, with dozens still missing. (Image Credit: X/ @im__Arshu)
At least 94 people have lost their lives in the massive fire that occurred at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, as of Friday. Dozens have been injured, including firefighters, while hundreds remain unaccounted for as rescue teams are racing against time to reach all units.
The estate comprised eight high-rise towers housing 4,600–4,800 residents and was undergoing major renovation work at the time. Buildings were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, which police and fire investigators now suspect played a key role in the rapid spread of flames.
Authorities also discovered flammable materials, including foam-board insulation and possibly other non-compliant construction supplies, raising suspicions of gross negligence by the contractors.
In addition, the vertical "chimney-like" structure created by continuous scaffolding with bamboo and netting allowed the fire to rapidly climb from lower floors to the top, engulfing many blocks in hours.
The police have arrested three people in connection with the disaster: two directors and an engineering consultant connected with the renovation contractor, on suspicion of manslaughter, citing "gross negligence" for allegedly using unsafe materials that contributed to the spread of the fire.
Authorities also raided the company's offices, seizing documents, computers, and other records as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the government said it plans to offer relief to affected residents. It has evacuated the housing estate and opened temporary shelters for the displaced families.
While discussions are underway, there is also a proposed ban or phasing out of bamboo scaffolding in favour of safer alternatives like metal scaffolding actions that experts say could mitigate fire-spread risks during future renovation work.
The rescuers continued the search on Friday, trying to force their way into as many apartments as possible to make sure no survivors were left behind, despite the serious risk of weakened structures and residual heat.
It is already considered the deadliest residential fire to hit Hong Kong since 1948 and drew comparisons with past tragedies, causing an outpouring of public anger.
Many residents and commentators are demanding more rigorous enforcement of fire-safety regulations, better oversight of renovation projects, and faster adoption of safer building practices to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
