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The death toll from Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades climbed to 128 on Friday, with dozens still missing, as officials confirmed that fire alarms in the affected residential buildings had failed.
Around 200 people remain unaccounted for, and 89 recovered bodies have not yet been identified.
Families continued searching hospitals and identification centres, desperately seeking information about their loved ones.
The blaze swept rapidly through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon, engulfing seven of the estate’s eight tower blocks.
The densely populated complex was turned into an inferno within minutes.
Fire crews said the fire was “largely extinguished” by Friday morning after more than 40 hours of operations, during which they searched over 1,800 flats.
Authorities are still investigating the cause.
Early findings suggest the fire started in protective netting on the lower floors of one tower and that bamboo scaffolding and foam boards used for renovation work accelerated the spread.
Fire services chief Andy Yeung confirmed that alarm systems in all eight buildings were not functioning and that enforcement action would be taken against responsible contractors.
Residents described rushing from door to door to warn neighbours.
As emergency workers continued removing bodies from the charred buildings, families arrived at mortuaries to identify victims.
Many, like a woman surnamed Wong searching for her sister-in-law and the sister-in-law’s twin, were still without answers.
The fire is Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1948, when a blaze triggered by an explosion killed at least 135 people.
Although serious fires have become rare due to improved safety standards, this disaster has renewed scrutiny of building maintenance and renovation practices.
Hong Kong’s security chief, Chris Tang, said investigations could take up to a month.
Police have already arrested three men for allegedly leaving foam packaging at the site, while the city’s anti-corruption agency has opened a probe into the renovation works.
The Labour Department confirmed it had inspected the project 16 times since July 2024, most recently on November 20, issuing written warnings over fire safety lapses.
Authorities have pledged to inspect all estates undergoing major renovation immediately and are considering switching to metal scaffolding for future construction work.
The government has launched a HK$300 million relief fund and opened nine shelters for displaced residents, providing emergency accommodation, basic supplies, and psychological support.
A strong community volunteer effort has also emerged, supplying food, clothing, and household essentials—so much so that organisers have paused further donations.
