The death toll in Hong Kong’s worst fire in seven decades climbed to 128 on Saturday as many remained missing and a grief-stricken city rallied as one with authorities, private companies, charities and ordinary folks donating hundreds of millions to the victims and their families.
The towering inferno that tore through seven blocks at a Tai Po housing estate under renovation was gradually brought under control after raging for more than 24 hours. But firefighters were still battling untamed flames on higher levels as they moved from floor to floor in search of survivors.
At least 70 injuries were reported as smoke continued to billow out of the charred hulks of the housing blocks in Wang Fuk Court, and victims’ bodies were stretchered out, occasionally triggering tears and shouts of relief among people anxiously waiting outside as some survivors were rushed to hospital.
Criminal investigations also moved into full gear as the scope of the probe widened to include a potential corruption case against the renovation contractor.
City leader John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday ordered inspections of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations and announced a HK$300 million (US$39 million) fund to assist the victims, including a cash handout of HK$10,000 for each household.
The government also announced that flags at its buildings will be flown at half-mast, and the administration will hold memorial services and set aside areas where the public can pen their condolences.
At Kwong Fuk Community Hall, scenes of grief unfolded as distraught relatives queued up to identify photos of the dead and their personal belongings.
A 70-year-old woman surnamed Yeung was hoping to locate her elderly sister, who had lived alone in Wang Fuk Court, a 42-year-old estate inhabited mostly by local Hongkongers.
“I have been to the temporary shelters and hospitals,” she said as tears rolled down her already tear-stained face.
“But I have not heard anything. So, I prepared for the worst and came here, but I still have not found her,” she said, sobbing.
As police pressed on with their investigations, officers raided homes across the city and the premises of the estate’s management firm.
Three people were arrested for alleged manslaughter, two directors and a consultant of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company.
A source said the trio were director and operations manager Ho Kin-yip, 52, director Hau Wa-kin, 54, and 68-year-old Steve Wong Chung-kee, who was the person at the firm responsible for safety and signing off projects.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) launched a probe into possible corruption in repair works that had carried a price tag of HK$330 million.
A Post investigation found that the contractor behind the renovation work had a record for breaching safety requirements for construction projects on multiple occasions.
The company was convicted of two safety offences in a Mid-Levels project in November 2023, according to Labour Department records seen by the Post.
Officials said investigations would centre on the use of flammable material in the scaffolding that covered the residential blocks.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung revealed that the netting and waterproof tarpaulin material surrounding the exterior of the buildings, once burned, showed flames spreading faster than they would on regulated materials.
Styrofoam had been used to seal windows on each floor, a likely cause of the fire’s rapid rampage across seven blocks.
At an evening press conference after spending the day in emergency briefings and visiting Ground Zero of the inferno – going up to rooftops to assess the scale of the disaster – Lee reaffirmed his appreciation of Beijing, saying his team was drafting a checklist to the central government for items the city needed, such as drones for inspections and laboratory test materials.
Lee also set up three task forces chaired by high-level officials to investigate the incident, collate donations and arrange accommodation for victims of the fire, even as Hongkongers from all walks of life turned out in droves to donate and volunteer and set up their own self-help drives.
The city leader said the government would conduct a “thorough review” on the need to postpone the Legislative Council poll scheduled for December 7 even as all election activity has ceased.
“I hope that everyone can unite and turn our pain into contributions so our society can return to normal and recover soon,” Lee said.
Condolences poured in from groups and consulates and Pope Leo sent a note expressing sadness as he prayed for those who died, seeking mercy.
The eight blocks in Wang Fuk Court in the northeastern part of Hong Kong had been undergoing renovations since July 2024, encased in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh.
Initial footage showed bamboo scaffolding outside several flats rapidly bursting into spiralling flames before being completely engulfed by multiple colossal columns of fire.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki announced that the city would be switching away from bamboo to steel scaffolding “as soon as possible”.
“Even though bamboo scaffolding is more flexible in usage, it is not as good as steel for fireproofing,” Chan said.
As the fire raged overnight on Thursday, the city’s residents took the initiative to pool together supplies such as blankets, warm clothing and food for the more than 1,900 households affected, while tycoons and businesses also offered hefty donations.
The 500-odd Wang Fuk Court residents in the government’s nine temporary shelters would be among the first to receive the HK$10,000 cash handout on Thursday night to tide them over the hard times.
Working together with the hospitality industry, the government has arranged for over 1,000 units in youth hostels and hotels to accommodate victims for one to two weeks.
They would then be moved to 1,800 subsidised flats set aside for them to settle down temporarily.
As of Thursday evening, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said more than 350 residents have moved into transitional housing projects under the Housing Bureau.
The Li Ka Shing Foundation, controlled by the city’s billionaire business magnate, has announced the launch of an emergency fund of HK$30 million to support registered charities, particularly those serving the Tai Po area, in providing immediate relief and longer-term help to the fire victims.
The Jack Ma Foundation pledged HK$60 million (US$7.7 million) in donations, while the city’s largest charity, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said it would provide HK$100 million through its emergency relief fund.
Across the city, Hongkongers mobilised themselves to gather and transport necessities such as warm meals, blankets and towels to community centres.
Social workers were also on-site at the shelters to provide mental health support for the families, while residents appealed online for help to locate their missing loved ones.
The Indonesian consulate confirmed that two of its nationals died in the fire, while another two had been injured. All four Indonesians were domestic helpers.
The Philippine consulate confirmed that one national was reported missing and another was injured in the fire so far.
The saddest scenes of lost hope and heartbreak were at Kwong Fuk Community Hall as devastated family members confirmed their worst fears that their loved ones had perished.
A resident said a photo album of those who died contained many photos of children.
Many in the hall left in tears and had to be physically supported by family members.
The Fire Services Department, which has been tackling the blaze since Wednesday afternoon, has mobilised more than 1,250 firefighters.
The number of injured people also rose to 76, including 11 firefighters.
The organiser of the 2025 MAMA Awards, taking place on Friday and Saturday at Kai Tak Stadium, said the ceremony would go ahead with “carefully and thoughtfully adjusted” performances, citing the power of music to heal and unify.
But the organiser of the Oxfam Trailwalker race, expected to start on Friday, called off the event.
At Ground Zero, the around-the-clock operation brought much-needed hope from time to time, as some pets and elderly residents were rescued by firefighters on Thursday morning.
A male survivor was rescued in the stairwell on the 16th floor of Wang Tao House at around 7pm on Thursday, more than 28 hours after the fire first broke out in the estate. The search continued overnight.
Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of fire services, said: “We have not given up.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
