Hong Kong fire contained: Death toll rises to 128; dozens still missing after worst blaze in decades

Hong Kong: Firefighting operations at Hong Kong’s worst blaze in decades have concluded, a government spokesperson told AFP on Friday, with the death toll standing at 128 and dozens still unaccounted for.

The fire service confirmed that the flames were “largely extinguished” by 10:18 am, after which active firefighting efforts came to an end, the spokesperson said.

Families of those still unaccounted for after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than 70 years searched hospitals on Friday, while firefighters continued combing through the last of the burnt-out flats at a torched housing estate. Authorities have confirmed at least 94 deaths, with the toll expected to rise.

The inferno broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in northern Tai Po district. It swiftly engulfed the eight-block estate, burning ferociously for more than 36 hours. Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze, including whether bamboo scaffolding and plastic safety netting, part of a major renovation, may have fuelled its rapid spread.

On Friday morning, workers were seen carrying black body bags from the charred estate. At a nearby mortuary in Sha Tin, vehicles were observed delivering multiple bodies ahead of identification by relatives.

Many residents remain missing, though authorities have not provided an updated figure since early Thursday. At a Sha Tin hospital, a woman surnamed Wong searched for her sister-in-law and the latter’s twin sister, last heard from less than an hour before the fire began.

“We still cannot find them,” she said tearfully. “We are going to different hospitals hoping for good news.”

More than 50 people remained hospitalised on Friday, including 12 in critical condition and 28 seriously injured.

Eyewitnesses described the fire’s devastating speed. “One building went up in flames and it spread to two more blocks in less than 15 minutes,” said a 77-year-old resident surnamed Mui. “It was burning red. I shudder to think about it.”

The fire service said it planned to respond to 25 outstanding rescue calls and to break into all remaining flats by 9 am on Friday. Wisps of smoke continued to rise from the estate, though officials said the fire had been contained to four of nearly 2,000 units.

Community steps In

Residents of neighbouring blocks evacuated as a precaution were allowed to return home on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, a spontaneous grassroots relief effort rapidly evolved into an organised operation. In a public square near the estate, volunteers set up distribution points offering clothing, food, household items, medical support and psychological care. Donations flowed in so quickly that organisers asked the public to pause contributions.

“It’s truly touching,” said Stone Ngai, 38, one of the volunteer organisers. “The spirit of Hong Kong people is that when one is in trouble, everyone lends support...It shows that Hong Kong people are full of love.”

Investigations underway

The disaster is Hong Kong’s worst since 1948, when a blast and subsequent fire killed at least 135 people. While deadly fires were once common in the city’s densely populated neighbourhoods, improved safety standards have made such incidents rare.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency announced on Thursday it had opened an investigation into the renovation work at Wang Fuk Court. Police had earlier arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the site. Residents told AFP they had not heard any fire alarms and had to alert neighbours by knocking on doors.

Chief Executive John Lee said all housing estates undergoing major renovation would be immediately inspected. His deputy, Eric Chan, stressed the urgency of replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives.

Among the confirmed dead were a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian domestic workers. The government has announced a HK$300 million (US$38.5 million) relief fund for victims, and nine temporary shelters have been opened for displaced residents.

Election-related activities ahead of Hong Kong’s December 7 legislative polls have been suspended.

AFP