The devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, was finally extinguished Friday morning after burning for more than 36 hours. Tragically, the confirmed death toll has climbed to 128, with authorities warning that more casualties may be found as firefighters complete their apartment-by-apartment searches.

Firefighting Efforts and Scale of the Blaze

The fire began on Wednesday afternoon in one of the eight towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex and quickly spread to seven towers, fueled by bamboo scaffolding covered in netting used for ongoing renovations. Over 1,000 firefighters battled the five-alarm blaze for more than 24 hours. Smoke continued to rise from the charred buildings due to occasional flare-ups even after the fire was largely controlled.

Deputy Director of Hong Kong Fire Services, Derek Armstrong Chan, reported that rescue teams were prioritizing apartments from which they had received over two dozen emergency calls during the fire but could not access because of the intensity of the flames.

“Our firefighting operation is almost complete,” Chan said, emphasizing that the final apartment sweeps would ensure no residents were left inside.

Casualties and Injuries

The complex housed nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents. Authorities stated that 279 residents remained unaccounted for early Thursday morning, with many living in temporary shelters. More than 70 people were injured, including 11 firefighters. The majority of casualties occurred in the first two towers to catch fire.

The apartment complex primarily housed elderly residents, reflecting Hong Kong’s aging population, with many victims over the age of 65. The fire left hundreds or thousands homeless, further highlighting the vulnerability of residents in public housing estates.

Investigations and Arrests

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency is investigating potential corruption and negligence related to the renovation project at Wang Fuk Court. Three men, including two directors and an engineering consultant from the Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Police have seized company documents as part of the investigation.

Authorities suspect that some construction materials, including plastic foam panels and scaffold netting, did not meet fire-resistance standards, enabling the fire to spread rapidly. Additionally, several residents reported that fire alarm systems in affected towers may have been non-functional during the blaze.

Government Response and Safety Measures

Officials have vowed to inspect all housing estates undergoing major renovations to ensure scaffolding and construction materials comply with safety standards. Hong Kong leader John Lee has emphasized that authorities are committed to forcing entry into all units to confirm no additional casualties remain.

The Wang Fuk Court fire is the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon commercial building fire, which killed 41 people.

Community Impact and Rebuilding

Residents and volunteers have mobilized to provide food, water, and temporary shelter for survivors. Many families have lost homes, personal belongings, and loved ones. The tragedy has raised urgent questions about fire safety, construction oversight, and building regulations in Hong Kong’s public housing estates.

“We will endeavor to ensure there are no other possible casualties,” said Chan, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for systemic reform.

The disaster has shocked Hong Kong, a city usually recognized for stringent building codes, and has triggered public calls for greater accountability and stricter fire safety enforcement.