UPDATE: A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong has claimed at least 128 lives, prompting urgent investigations into suspected corruption and negligence surrounding the building’s renovations. The deadly blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon, engulfing seven of the eight towers and leaving many residents, including the elderly and migrant workers, trapped.
Authorities have confirmed that three men from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Initially released on bail, they were rearrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for their roles in the renovations, which had been under scrutiny for safety violations. This follows previous arrests of seven men and one woman linked to the project.
Documents reveal that Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. was responsible for the renovations. Police have seized extensive documentation from the company as part of their investigation. Safety complaints had been raised by residents regarding the materials used, particularly the scaffolding netting and foam panels, which are now being scrutinized for their role in the fire’s rapid spread.
According to Chris Tang, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, the fire started on a lower-level scaffolding net and quickly escalated as the foam panels ignited. “The blaze ignited the foam panels, causing glass to shatter and leading to a swift intensification of the fire,” Tang stated.
The Hong Kong Labor Department confirmed it had received safety complaints about the renovations and had conducted 16 inspections since July 2024, issuing warnings to contractors about fire safety compliance. However, the department noted that the safety netting had not been a previous target of inspection.
Tragically, first responders discovered that several fire alarms within the complex failed to activate during the emergency. Andy Yeung, director of the Hong Kong Fire Services, reported that 79 individuals were injured, including 12 firefighters, and sadly, one firefighter lost his life during the response efforts.
As of now, rescue crews are still seeking to identify 44 bodies from the wreckage, with about 150 people still unaccounted for. The dead include two Indonesian migrant workers, with the Indonesian Foreign Ministry confirming their identities and stating that 11 other domestic helpers are missing.
In a poignant display of grief, local residents gathered near the site, laying flowers in memory of those lost. One mother, Sara Yu, brought her young son to a nearby playground, stating, “I want them to understand that living in this world is something to be cherished.” The community is mourning deeply, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur.
Flags across the city have been lowered to half-staff as Chief Executive John Lee led a moment of silence. This fire marks the deadliest incident in Hong Kong in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon fire that killed 41 people and the 1948 warehouse fire that resulted in 176 deaths.
As investigations continue and more details unfold, authorities are examining every aspect of the renovation process and fire safety protocols in place. The community and families affected are left grappling with the tragic loss, and further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.