A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po area has resulted in at least 94 confirmed fatalities, making it the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in sixty years. While the fire is largely under control as of Friday (November 28), rescue operations continue on the upper floors due to a significant number of people still missing.
At least 94 people killed. The fire is described as the deadliest in 60 years. Communication with 279 people was cut off early Thursday. This number has not been officially updated for over 24 hours. Personal accounts confirm residents are still desperately searching for missing family members.
The fire reportedly started from bamboo scaffolding and construction netting on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread across seven buildings. Authorities suspect that non-fireproof materials used outside the building may have accelerated the spread.
Wang Fuk Court, built in the 1980s, houses over 40,000 people in about 2,000 flats, many of whom are elderly. The complex was undergoing major renovation projects. Three construction officers have been arrested and are being investigated on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
The incident has raised serious questions about construction safety standards. The government has announced immediate inspection of all major renovation buildings and a phased ban on bamboo scaffolding.
Hong Kong's Construction Industry Council noted there are about 2,500 registered bamboo scaffold workers, with 23 deaths recorded in the operation since 2018.
The government has announced a $30 billion Hong Kong aid fund ($38 million USD) for the victims. Several major Chinese companies and the Jack Ma Foundation have also announced donations.
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