Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Reaches 128 as Search Continues

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has resulted in a rising death toll, now reaching **128** as of March 15, 2024. Authorities continue to search the charred remains of the complex, which caught fire on **March 13** and was not fully extinguished until the morning of **March 15**. The incident marks one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong’s history.

According to Secretary for Security **Chris Tang**, the search for additional victims is ongoing, with hopes of finding survivors dwindling. Firefighters have been meticulously combing through the complex, where they received **over 25 calls for assistance** from residents trapped during the blaze. The majority of these calls originated from higher floors, where the fire had initially spread with alarming speed.

On the afternoon of March 13, the fire ignited in one of the eight towers at Wang Fuk Court, rapidly engulfing seven buildings. The blaze was fueled by bamboo scaffolding covered in netting, which was in place for renovations. The response involved over **1,000 firefighters**, who battled the five-alarm fire for nearly **24 hours** to bring it under control. Even after two days, smoke continued to billow from the structures as occasional flare-ups occurred.

The last search of the buildings is anticipated to conclude later today, at which point officials will officially transition from rescue operations to recovery efforts. The complex houses nearly **2,000 apartments** and approximately **4,800 residents**, making the scale of this tragedy particularly profound.

Hong Kong’s leader, **John Lee**, reported that contact had not been established with **279 residents**. Fire Services Deputy Director **Derek Armstrong Chan** emphasized the importance of ensuring no further casualties, stating, “We will endeavor to force entry into all the units of the seven blocks concerned.”

Compounding the tragedy, more than **70 individuals** sustained injuries, including **11 firefighters**. In response, approximately **900 displaced residents** have been accommodated in temporary shelters.

As investigations proceed, the Hong Kong anti-corruption agency has launched a probe into the renovation project at the complex. Three men, including directors and an engineering consultant from **Prestige Construction & Engineering Company**, were arrested on manslaughter charges. Authorities suspect gross negligence may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Initial reports suggest that some construction materials used on the exterior walls did not meet fire resistance standards. Additionally, there are indications that fire alarm systems in the affected buildings may have malfunctioned. Police discovered highly flammable plastic foam panels installed near elevator lobbies in one unaffected tower, raising further questions about safety protocols.

In light of this tragedy, authorities have announced plans for immediate inspections of other housing estates undergoing major renovations to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The incident has drawn comparisons to a **1996 fire** in Kowloon that claimed **41 lives**, marking a somber reflection on fire safety standards in the region.

As recovery efforts continue, the community is left to mourn the loss of life and grapple with the implications of such a catastrophic event.