Firefighting efforts have concluded at the site of a devastating blaze in Hong Kong, with the death toll now reaching 128.
128 confirmed dead in Hongkong blaze.
At least 76 individuals sustained injuries due to the blaze, including 11 firefighters, according to government reports. While the number of missing individuals has not been updated since early Thursday, many residents remain unaccounted for. An AFP journalist observed on Friday that the fire at Wang Fuk Court had significantly weakened, although occasional sparks and thick smoke still erupted from the structure. Firefighters continued their efforts to cool the building and prevent any embers from reigniting. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire—the worst in Hong Kong in almost 80 years—looking into the use of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh that had been employed during renovations. The city’s anti-corruption agency announced it has initiated a probe into the renovation work at the complex, shortly after police arrested three men suspected of irresponsibly leaving foam packaging at the fire scene.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong have been severely demoralized and distressed following a deadly five-alarm fire that engulfed several high-rise buildings in the complex on November 26 and 27, 2025.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court, situated in Tai Po in northern Hong Kong, expressed concerns that they did not hear any fire alarms and had to go door-to-door to warn their neighbors of the emergency. One resident, identified only by the surname Suen, stated, “The fire spread so rapidly. I noticed one hose attempting to protect multiple buildings, and it seemed far too slow.” He added, “We were ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, and urging our neighbors to evacuate—that was the situation we faced.”
