At least 94 people have been confirmed dead in the Wang Fuk Court high-rise fire in Hong Kong, as authorities declared that firefighting operations have officially ended, more than a day after the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years.
According to AFP, the Hong Kong government confirmed early Thursday that firefighting at Wang Fuk Court had concluded, but rescue teams continue to search for survivors and victims across the devastated complex.
Officials said nearly 300 residents remain unaccounted for, while 70 people are injured and dozens are being treated in hospitals, many with severe burns and smoke inhalation.
The 32-storey housing complex in the Tai Po district, home to nearly 4,600 residents, had been undergoing renovation when the fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly spreading across multiple towers.
Authorities believe the blaze spread so quickly because of substandard mesh, plastic sheets, and styrofoam cladding installed around windows and scaffolding during the construction work.
Police said they had arrested three individuals two construction company directors and an engineering consultant on manslaughter and corruption charges, amid allegations that unsafe materials were used and safety standards were ignored.
Residents have told local media that fire alarms failed to sound, leaving many trapped in their homes as flames engulfed several floors.
“We didn’t hear anything — no alarms, no warnings,” one survivor told RTHK. “By the time we realised what was happening, the smoke had filled the corridors.”
Firefighters described extreme challenges in tackling the blaze, including scaffolding collapse, high temperatures, and blocked access routes due to renovation barriers.
The Hong Kong Fire Department said that after more than 24 hours, the blaze was finally under control in all eight affected buildings.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, while the government is setting up emergency housing units for displaced families.
The Hong Kong Housing Authority confirmed that many survivors lost all possessions in the fire and will receive immediate financial aid. Chief Executive John Lee said the government will provide HK$10,000 per affected household, establish a HK$300 million relief fund, and open a public donations appeal.
A corruption inquiry has also been launched to investigate potential bribery and negligence during the renovation project.
The Wang Fuk Court fire is now the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1946, surpassing the Sham Shui Po blaze of August 1962, which killed 44 people.