Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Update: Days after a massive fire ripped through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong authorities announced on Friday that rescue operations have officially concluded. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, has become one of the city’s worst fire disasters in decades.
Speaking to reporters, officials confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 128, while around 200 people remain missing and unaccounted for.
Security Secretary Chris Tang said at least 79 people were injured, adding that the figures may rise as search teams continue combing through damaged units.
Hong Kong Fire: Search for Missing Continues Despite Rescue Wrap-Up
Even though the formal rescue phase has ended, authorities said efforts to locate the missing would continue. Tang noted that the full casualty count may increase as investigators enter every affected unit.
The fire raged across the residential blocks for nearly 24 hours, requiring more than 1,000 firefighters to bring it under control. Smoke continued to rise from the charred structures for two days, leading to occasional flare-ups that complicated recovery efforts.
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“We will endeavor to force entry into all the units of the seven blocks concerned so as to ensure that there is no other possible casualties,” said Senior Fire Services Department official Chan.
Following the deadly blaze, Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency announced on Thursday that it has opened an investigation into possible corruption linked to the renovation project at the housing estate.
At least three men—including two company directors and an engineering consultant—have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities suspect negligence during renovation work may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The investigation will examine whether construction practices, materials, or oversight failures played a role in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in 77 years.
