URGENT UPDATE: Eight arrests have been made in connection with Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly 80 years, which has claimed at least 128 lives and left 200 people missing. The blaze erupted at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po on the afternoon of October 25, 2023, rapidly engulfing seven of its eight 32-storey blocks. Rescue operations have now concluded, but authorities warn that the death toll could still rise.
According to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the arrests include an engineering consultant and a scaffolding subcontractor linked to the complex’s renovation project. Chris Tang, Hong Kong’s Security Chief, confirmed that fire alarms in the building were malfunctioning, raising serious concerns about safety protocols.
“We do not rule out the possibility that more bodies could be discovered when police enter the building for detailed investigations,” Tang stated at a press conference. This tragic incident has drawn comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which resulted in 72 fatalities, underscoring the severe implications of fire safety negligence.
Residents had previously expressed concerns over ongoing renovations, specifically regarding the flammability of materials used, including protective mesh around scaffolding. The Labour Department had assured them of “relatively low fire risks” just last year, despite repeated complaints.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, families are now facing the heartbreaking task of identifying the deceased. Only 39 of the 128 dead have been formally identified. Mourners have gathered to pay their respects, laying flowers outside the charred remains of their homes.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, hundreds of volunteers have mobilized to assist victims, distributing essential items such as food and clothing, and setting up a support camp for displaced residents near the fire-damaged complex. The local government has pledged HK$300 million (approximately $38 million USD) in aid to support those affected.
The tragedy has also highlighted the plight of domestic workers, many from the Philippines and Indonesia. Reports indicate that 19 domestic workers are still unaccounted for, with fears for their safety. The situation has sparked outrage and fear among the city’s 368,000 domestic workers, who often live with their employers.
In the wake of this disaster, Hong Kong’s government is reevaluating its construction safety measures, including a shift from bamboo to metal scaffolding. As the situation continues to develop, the community remains on edge, with calls for accountability and comprehensive safety reforms echoing throughout the city.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned as we continue to follow this evolving story.
