The death toll from a catastrophic blaze that tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po has climbed to 128, officials said on Friday, as investigators revealed that fire alarms across the complex were not functioning properly during the inferno. About 200 people remain unaccounted for and the city has launched criminal probes into possible negligence and corruption linked to the towers’ renovation.
Firefighters spent more than 40 hours battling flames that raced up the estates’ exterior, engulfing seven of the eight 32-storey blocks. Rescue teams conducted door-to-door searches and recovered dozens more bodies on Friday, while scores of residents and emergency workers were treated for injuries. Authorities said one firefighter was among the dead and dozens of other firefighters were hurt.
Preliminary findings point to the rapid spread of flames being helped by bamboo scaffolding, green safety mesh and highly flammable polystyrene foam panels used during renovation work — materials that officials say acted like tinder when strong winds picked up. Investigators and anti-corruption authorities have already detained multiple people connected with renovation and construction firms on suspicion of manslaughter and other offences.
Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department told the public the estate’s alarm systems “were not working effectively” during the blaze, and residents had reported alarms that failed to sound. The malfunctioning alarms have intensified public anger and raised urgent questions about enforcement of safety standards and oversight of renovation projects at the site, which housed roughly 4,600–4,800 people.
The government announced a three-day official mourning period and mobilised a relief fund to support victims and their families. Local charities and organisations also began coordinating assistance for those displaced. Senior officials have faced sharp criticism from residents and opposition figures demanding an independent inquiry into both building safety enforcement and whether shortcuts or graft allowed unsafe materials and practices.
As forensic teams continue to work through hazardous conditions in the charred towers, authorities warned that the death toll could still change while recovery and identification efforts continue. Police and investigators said evidence collection would take weeks and urged family members to register with authorities to help with identification and support services
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