Death Toll Rises to 128 in Hong Kong Apartment Fire Disaster

In a tragic incident, the death toll from a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 128 as authorities continue to search for victims. The fire, which ignited on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, engulfed seven of the complex’s eight towers, marking one of the deadliest blazes in the city’s history. Officials confirmed that the blaze was fully extinguished by Friday morning, March 15, but the search for victims remains ongoing.

Ongoing Search Efforts and Casualties

According to Chris Tang, the Secretary for Security, the search operation is still active, and officials are preparing for the possibility that the death toll could increase further. Emergency crews are focusing their efforts on apartments from which they received over 25 distress calls during the fire but were unable to access due to the blaze’s intensity. “Our firefighting operation is almost complete,” Tang stated early Friday.

The fire began in one of the towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex around mid-afternoon on Wednesday, rapidly spreading to adjacent buildings. The complex, located in the Tai Po district, housed nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents. Reports indicate that more than 70 people sustained injuries in the incident, including 11 firefighters, while close to 900 individuals are currently residing in temporary shelters.

Investigation and Arrests

The Hong Kong anti-corruption agency has launched an investigation into the renovation project at the complex, focusing on potential negligence and corruption. Three individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The police have also indicated that the leaders of the company are suspected of gross negligence.

Authorities are scrutinizing the materials used in the construction. Concerns have emerged that some exterior wall materials did not meet fire resistance standards, contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. Additionally, fire alarm systems in some affected buildings reportedly malfunctioned during the crisis. Investigators discovered highly flammable plastic foam panels attached to the windows near the elevator lobby of the unaffected tower, raising further questions about safety compliance.

The fire at Wang Fuk Court has prompted plans for immediate inspections of various housing estates undergoing renovations to ensure adherence to safety protocols. This tragedy marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon commercial building fire that claimed 41 lives.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, local officials have emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and preventing similar incidents in the future.