The death toll from Hong Kong's most devastating fire in decades has tragically climbed to 128, authorities confirmed on Friday, November 28, 2025, with dozens more still unaccounted for. The catastrophe, which began on Wednesday afternoon, has exposed critical failures, including malfunctioning fire alarm systems across the entire residential estate.
A Rapid Inferno and a Desperate Search
Flames erupted with terrifying speed at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, ripping through seven of the eight high-rise towers. The densely packed complex was transformed into an inferno, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and protective netting that were part of a major renovation project.
Fire services chief, Andy Yeung, revealed a critical failure that exacerbated the tragedy: alarm systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning when the fire broke out. This forced residents to frantically run door-to-door to alert their neighbours to the imminent danger.
After burning for more than 40 hours, the blaze was largely extinguished by Friday morning. Fire crews completed a gruelling search of over 1,800 flats for survivors. The scale of the loss is immense, with around 200 people still listed as missing and 89 bodies yet to be identified.
Official Response and Launch of Investigations
The Hong Kong government stated that the fire appears to have started in the protective netting on the lower floors of one tower, with foam boards and bamboo scaffolding accelerating its rapid spread. The city's security chief, Chris Tang, indicated that the investigation into the fire's causes could take three to four weeks.
Authorities are moving to hold those responsible to account. We will take enforcement actions against the contractors responsible, Fire Chief Yeung declared at a press conference. This comes after police arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site.
Furthermore, the Labour Department disclosed it had conducted 16 inspections of the maintenance work at Wang Fuk Court since July 2024, with the most recent on November 20. Following that inspection, the department issued written warnings urging the contractor to implement appropriate fire prevention measures.
A Community in Mourning and a Nation in Shock
For families, the disaster has meant an agonizing search through hospitals and victim identification centres. A 38-year-old woman surnamed Wong tearfully recounted to AFP her futile search for her sister-in-law and her twin, from whom the last contact was around the time the fire was reported.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of sheer horror. One building went up in flames and it spread to two more blocks in less than 15 minutes, recounted a 77-year-old witness surnamed Mui. It was very quick. It was burning red, I shudder to think about it.
In response, the Hong Kong government has announced a HK$300 million ($38.5 million) fund to aid the victims. The community has also rallied, setting up efficient supply stations for clothes, food, and household goods, as well as providing medical and psychological care for the displaced.
This fire now stands as Hong Kong's deadliest since 1948, a grim reminder of the lethal blazes that once plagued the densely populated city, and a stark warning about the imperative of unwavering safety standards.
