Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court Fire: 94 Dead in the City’s Worst Blaze in 80 Years
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Yesterday afternoon, the sky over Tai Po turned black in minutes. Seven towering blocks of Wang Fuk Court, home to thousands of ordinary families, suddenly became a wall of fire. By Friday morning, at least 94 people had lost their lives, 76 lay injured in hospitals, and hundreds more were still missing. What started as a small flame on one building’s scaffolding turned into Hong Kong’s worst tragedy in almost eighty years.
Everyone who saw it says the same thing: the fire moved too fast, like it was alive.
How It Began
The first flames appeared at 14:51 on Wednesday on the outside of Wang Cheong House, the easternmost block. Within six minutes, firefighters rushed to the scene. Yet in less than an hour, the blaze had jumped to six more towers. Thick black smoke poured out, and bright orange flames climbed all the way to the rooftops of the 31-storey buildings.
Residents heard banging sounds first. Then they saw fire racing up the green mesh netting and bamboo scaffolding that wrapped the buildings. Renovation work had been going on for months, and the whole complex was covered in plastic sheets, foam boards, and Styrofoam to protect the windows. Sadly, none of these materials could resist fire.
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Why the Fire Spread So Quickly
Police and fire experts now say the outside coverings were the biggest problem. The mesh, the plastic sheets, and especially the white Styrofoam boards burned like paper. When Styrofoam catches fire, it releases poisonous black smoke and melts into burning drops that spread flames further. Witnesses described hearing small explosions as the foam caught fire floor by floor.
Many residents also say the fire alarms never rang. Because workers were renovating, the alarms had been switched off to avoid false triggers. People inside the flats had no warning until they smelled smoke or saw flames outside their windows.
A Firefighter’s Last Mission
Among the dead is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho. He had served for nine years and was known as a quiet, brave man. His girlfriend posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram: “My superhero has finished his mission and returned to Krypton.” She ended with, “I really, really want to hold your hand again.” More than a thousand firefighters fought the blaze. Eleven of them were injured, some seriously.
Stories That Break Your Heart
Mr Chung was at work when his wife called. She was trapped in their flat with their cat. Smoke filled the corridor, so she returned inside. “Hang in there,” he told her. Those were his last words to her. Hours later, he still could not bring himself to call again.
Ms Chen, 72, escaped because her daughter, who was travelling in Korea, saw the news and phoned her immediately. Many elderly residents, some in wheelchairs, now sleep on thin mats in school halls turned into shelters.
Anger Is Growing
People are not only sad; they are angry. Resident Kiko Ma, 33, told reporters, “This was preventable.” She said workers often smoked on the scaffolding and left cigarette butts on window ledges. Everyone had complained about the cheap, flammable materials, but nothing changed.
Three executives from the renovation company have already been arrested for suspected manslaughter and gross negligence. Police say the company used materials that did not meet fire-safety rules. A full corruption inquiry has started.
The City Mourns Together
Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, cancelled all celebrations, including the famous nightly light show. Even the big K-pop awards dropped their red-carpet event. Pope Leo sent a message of prayer and solidarity from the Vatican. From mainland China, President Xi Jinping urged every effort to save lives and offered deep condolences.
Temporary shelters now house more than 900 people. Volunteers bring food, clothes, and blankets. The government has promised emergency money and new homes for those who lost everything.
What Happens Next
Firefighters say they will finish searching every flat by Friday morning. Rescue teams still hope to find survivors, but everyone fears the death toll will rise. Investigators are collecting burnt pieces of mesh, foam, and scaffolding to test in laboratories. New laws about building materials and renovation safety are already being discussed.
This fire has shaken Hong Kong. It has shown that even in one of the richest cities in the world, simple safety mistakes can cost hundreds of lives.
FAQs
- How many people died in the Hong Kong fire?
At the latest count, at least 94 people have died, including one firefighter. The number may still rise. - Where exactly did the fire happen?
The fire started at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate in Tai Po district, northern Hong Kong. - Why did the fire spread so fast?
Cheap plastic mesh, Styrofoam boards, and bamboo scaffolding around the buildings for renovation burned very quickly and helped the flames jump from floor to floor. - Were the fire alarms working?
Many residents say the alarms were turned off because of ongoing renovation work kept triggering them. - Has anyone been arrested?
Yes, three executives from the renovation company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. - How is the city helping the survivors?
More than 900 people are in temporary shelters. The government is giving emergency money and preparing new flats, and volunteers are bringing food and clothes every day.
Hong Kong is crying today, but it is also promising itself: never again.