Hong Kong has entered a period of profound mourning after a catastrophic fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, claiming at least 128 lives and leaving about 200 residents still unaccounted for. The disaster, which engulfed multiple towers housing roughly 4,600 people, has become the region’s deadliest blaze in decades, prompting widespread grief, official investigations, and urgent calls for accountability.

Citywide Mourning and Tributes

Flags at Hong Kong’s central government offices were lowered to half-mast on Saturday as Chief Executive John Lee, senior officials, and civil servants—dressed in black—observed moments of silence for the victims.
Across the city, 18 condolence sites have been established, allowing the public to pay respects, leave flowers, and show support to grieving families.

At the scene of the tragedy, mourners gathered in increasing numbers, laying floral tributes and comforting one another as authorities continued recovery efforts.

Identification Efforts and Ongoing Search for Remains

By Friday, officials had been able to identify only 39 of the deceased, leaving many families awaiting confirmation and facing the difficult task of reviewing photographs collected by emergency teams.
While the search for survivors has officially ended, the identification of remains and forensic work continues, with specialized officers from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU) on site in protective gear.

The number of confirmed fatalities may rise as investigations progress and families continue to report missing loved ones.

Government Assistance and Community Response

Chief Executive John Lee announced that the government will establish a HK$300 million (US$39 million) relief fund to support survivors and affected households.
Meanwhile, community groups, volunteers, and local organizations have mobilized quickly, distributing essential supplies and offering temporary aid. Several major Chinese companies have also pledged financial assistance.

Cause of the Fire and Safety Concerns Under Investigation

Authorities have arrested at least 11 individuals in connection with the blaze, including two directors and an engineering consultant from the maintenance company responsible for ongoing renovation work at Wang Fuk Court.

Investigators believe that highly flammable bamboo scaffolding, green construction mesh, and foam boards used to seal windows contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the fire. Seven of the complex’s eight towers suffered heavy damage, while two towers saw the largest concentration of casualties.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, where the spread of flames was attributed to unsafe exterior cladding and oversight failures. Survivors’ groups from the UK have expressed solidarity with Hong Kong, sending messages of support to affected families.

A Tragedy Marking Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Generations

The Wang Fuk Court disaster is the most fatal fire Hong Kong has experienced since 1948, when a warehouse blaze claimed 176 lives.
Residents, officials, and international observers are now calling for a comprehensive review of building safety regulations, maintenance practices, and emergency preparedness in high-rise structures.

As Hong Kong continues to search for missing residents and support grieving families, tributes across the city reflect a collective resolve to seek accountability and help survivors rebuild their lives.