Tai Po, Hong Kong – November 30, 2025: The death toll from the catastrophic high-rise fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong’s New Territories, has climbed to 146, with another 100 people still unaccounted for, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The blaze, Hong Kong’s deadliest in more than 75 years, destroyed seven of the estate’s eight apartment buildings over two days before being fully extinguished on Friday.
Police and fire officials provided updates during a press conference, revealing that 79 residents were injured, and rescue teams continue painstaking searches through the burned structures.
Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts
The police victim identification unit has so far combed through four of the burned buildings, recovering human remains from apartments and rooftops. Authorities warn that the death toll could rise as searches continue across the remaining damaged buildings. The full recovery operation is expected to take three to four weeks.
Shuk-yin Tsang, head of the Hong Kong police casualty unit, emphasized the scale of the tragedy and the challenges involved in identifying victims amid extensive fire damage.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities,” Tsang said.
Public Mourning and Outrage
More than 1,000 people gathered near the site on Sunday to pay tribute to victims, offering flowers, handwritten notes, and prayers. Survivors and relatives expressed grief and frustration over the fire, pointing to potential negligence and unsafe building practices.
Joey Yeung, 28, whose grandmother’s apartment was destroyed, said:
“I can’t accept it. Today I came with my father and family to lay flowers. We want justice for the families of the deceased and support for those still alive.”
Safety Concerns and Construction Oversight
Investigations have revealed that the fire spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding and flammable foam boards used during ongoing renovations. The eight high-rise buildings had been under renovation since last year, despite repeated warnings from residents about potential safety hazards.
Hong Kong authorities arrested Miles Kwan, 24, a petition organizer demanding an independent inquiry into possible corruption and construction oversight failures. The petition drew more than 10,000 signatures before being temporarily closed.
Officials have also suspended work on 28 building projects by the contractor responsible for Wang Fuk Court, Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, pending safety audits. At least three company officials are among 11 people arrested in connection with the blaze.
Emergency Shelter and Support for Residents
Many of the 4,600 residents affected by the fire are now living in temporary emergency shelters or hotels, as authorities coordinate longer-term housing and support solutions.
Jeffery Chan, a local civil servant, expressed the widespread sense of grief and solidarity:
“As a Hong Konger, seeing people lose their families and homes overnight is unbearable. They need support and encouragement from the entire community.”
Implications and Investigation
The Wang Fuk Court fire has reignited public concern over building safety regulations, construction practices, and emergency preparedness in Hong Kong. Officials have pledged thorough investigations into the fire’s cause, the effectiveness of the response, and accountability for contractors and regulatory oversight.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by high-rise fires in densely populated cities and the importance of stringent construction safety standards.
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