Hong Kong: Hong Kong authorities continued critical search operations on Friday following a catastrophic fire that swept through a large high‑rise housing complex, resulting in at least 128 deaths. Rescue teams are conducting a systematic search of every floor inside the damaged structures to locate any remaining survivors or casualties.
The blaze erupted on Wednesday afternoon inside one of the towers at Wang Fuk Court — an expansive residential development consisting of eight interconnected high‑rises. Within a short span, flames had moved rapidly through the adjoining blocks, engulfing large sections of the estate and trapping residents in upper floors as smoke and heat intensified.
According to emergency services, firefighters received numerous calls from residents who were unable to escape due to collapsing structures, blocked stairwells and heavy fire growth inside the buildings. Crews struggled to reach all those in distress, as the fire continued spreading vertically and horizontally across the complex.
Authorities have arrested three individuals — including two directors of a firm involved in ongoing renovation work and an engineering consultant — on charges related to gross negligence. The investigation is focused on whether the repair activity played a role in igniting or accelerating the disaster.
A major point of concern for investigators is the extensive network of bamboo scaffolding that surrounded the towers for refurbishment. The material, long used in Hong Kong’s construction industry for its flexibility and affordability, may have acted as a conduit for fire, allowing flames to travel across exterior surfaces and into neighbouring buildings. Officials are also examining whether the scaffolding impeded evacuation and access for rescue teams.
Alongside the criminal probe, Hong Kong’s Anti‑Corruption Agency detained eight more individuals, including subcontractors responsible for the scaffolding installation. These arrests stem from allegations that irregularities and misconduct occurred in the awarding and management of renovation contracts.
Fire authorities stated that the final phase of the search effort is expected to conclude by late Friday, with the operation shifting from rescue to recovery thereafter. Structural assessments are ongoing to determine the stability of the scorched buildings before full clearance can be achieved.
The tragedy has intensified scrutiny over fire safety enforcement in densely populated residential environments. Hong Kong, known for its high‑rise skyline and limited land availability, continues to rely heavily on renovation projects to maintain ageing housing estates — many of which accommodate thousands of residents in a confined footprint.
Experts warn that complex interconnections between buildings can create hazardous conditions when fire breaks out, especially if escape routes or ventilation systems are compromised. The role of external scaffolding structures, which are often tightly wrapped around towers during construction, is now under heightened scrutiny.
Government departments have pledged a comprehensive review of current safety rules, including emergency access guidelines, monitoring of renovation operations, and regulations governing scaffolding installations in multi‑tower clusters. Officials have also acknowledged the need to evaluate whether oversight gaps contributed to the scale of the disaster.
With grief mounting across the city, community groups and resident associations are demanding accountability and immediate action to strengthen protections in high‑risk environments. Public mourning has begun for the victims, while rescue personnel continue to work amid the blackened remains of the once‑busy residential complex.
The incident stands as one of Hong Kong’s deadliest urban disasters in recent years, sparking renewed urgency around safety standards in the city’s tightly packed residential developments.
