The death toll from the massive blaze that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has risen to 44, with nearly 300 residents still unaccounted for, as authorities launch a criminal probe into alleged safety violations. Police have arrested three senior members of a renovation company on suspicion of manslaughter.
According to Reuters, early investigations suggest the fire spread with extraordinary speed due to flammable scaffolding materials, plastic sheeting, and foam installations used during ongoing renovation work at the sprawling housing estate in Tai Po.
Fire Raged for Over 15 Hours Across Multiple Towers
The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon and tore through several 32-storey residential blocks, burning for more than 15 hours. Flames and thick black smoke continued to billow from multiple towers well into Thursday morning as firefighters battled to reach residents feared trapped on upper floors.
Officials said four blocks were partially brought under control, but rescue operations were still underway in three others where “extremely hazardous” conditions persisted.
Unsafe Construction Materials Under Scrutiny
Police said the buildings had been wrapped in green mesh scaffolding and plastic sheets materials now suspected of failing to meet fire-safety standards. In one of the unaffected towers, investigators found windows sealed shut with foam insulation, an installation allegedly performed by the same renovation company now facing scrutiny.
Superintendent Eileen Chung said officers believe the firm acted with “gross negligence,” enabling the fire to spread rapidly and causing a catastrophic loss of life.
Two company directors and an engineering consultant have been detained.
Deadliest Hong Kong Fire Since World War II
Among the victims is a firefighter, while at least 45 people remain in critical condition. With the death toll already surpassing the 1996 Kowloon blaze that killed 41, this tragedy is now Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II.
The scale of destruction has been compared to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, where flammable cladding and regulatory lapses contributed to 72 deaths.
Government and Beijing Respond
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the government’s immediate priorities are extinguishing the remaining fires and rescuing trapped residents.
From Beijing, President Xi Jinping urged an “all-out effort” to control the blaze and minimise casualties, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Citywide Disruptions
The fire has caused significant disruption across Hong Kong:
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Over dozens of roads sealed off
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39 bus routes diverted
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At least six schools closed due to blocked access and heavy congestion
Authorities warned that search-and-rescue operations could continue for days as efforts to locate the hundreds still missing intensify
