Death Toll Rises to 128 After Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

The aftermath of a severe fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong has resulted in the confirmed deaths of 128 individuals. Authorities reported that 108 of the bodies have been recovered from the affected buildings, with an additional four victims succumbing to injuries in hospital. The remaining 16 bodies are presumed to still be inside the damaged structures.

Emergency services continue to search for survivors, with approximately 200 people still unaccounted for. Some of those listed as missing may correspond to the unidentified remains found at the scene. The fire also left 79 individuals injured, including several members of the firefighting team. A 37-year-old firefighter lost his life during the rescue operations.

The incident marks the deadliest fire disaster in Hong Kong in several decades. Investigators are examining the origins of the blaze, which started on Wednesday in one of the towers within the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, located in the Tai Po district. The fire quickly spread to adjacent buildings in the seven-block housing estate.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire alarm systems in the buildings failed to operate correctly, a factor that may have contributed to the high casualty rate. Survivors have stated that they did not hear the alarms as the fire broke out. It took nearly 48 hours for firefighters to fully extinguish the flames, after which the buildings began to cool, allowing for structural assessments.

Rescue teams worked throughout the night and into the following day, meticulously searching apartments for missing residents. The majority of the deceased were discovered in two out of the seven buildings affected. As the search concluded, authorities shifted focus toward recovery and assessment of the remaining structures.

At the time of the incident, renovation work was underway in the high-rise towers, and the buildings were surrounded by bamboo scaffolding. This traditional method is widely used in Hong Kong construction, but its safety has been increasingly questioned. Officials are now investigating whether the materials and construction practices used during the renovations violated fire safety regulations.

Law enforcement has initiated proceedings against three individuals associated with the construction company responsible for the renovations. The investigation centers on allegations of negligent manslaughter and the use of building materials that may have breached safety standards.

In response to the disaster, the Hong Kong government has announced plans to phase out bamboo scaffolding in favor of steel alternatives, aiming to improve site safety and reduce fire hazards. Authorities have also pledged to provide temporary housing for residents displaced by the fire. Many families remain unable to return to their homes due to the extensive damage sustained by the buildings.

The incident has prompted a thorough review of fire prevention measures in residential high-rises throughout the city, with officials emphasizing the importance of modernizing safety systems to protect residents and emergency personnel.