HONG KONG/BEIJING: The death toll from a devastating blaze that tore through seven high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong has climbed to 83, authorities said on Thursday, as emergency crews battled persistent flames and searched for hundreds still unaccounted for.
More than 280 residents remain missing, raising fears that the casualty count could rise further in what officials describe as the city’s worst catastrophe in decades. At least 76 people have been injured — including 15 in critical condition and 28 seriouhttps://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaiy5IyKrWQsZbhkfm1nsly hurt — while one firefighter is among those dead.
The fire, which erupted on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court in the suburban district of Tai Po, continued to burn on upper floors of three 31-storey towers late Thursday, despite round-the-clock operations. Four blocks have been brought under control, but rescue teams said many victims were still trapped inside.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the inferno. Three men — two directors and a consultant from the contractor overseeing ongoing renovations — have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after officers discovered highly flammable styrofoam installed around lift windows, which reportedly accelerated the spread of the blaze.
Officials further revealed that external netting and sheeting wrapped around the buildings — part of large-scale refurbishment work — failed to meet fire-safety standards. All eight towers of the 1983-built complex were encased in bamboo scaffolding at the time of the fire.
Wang Fuk Court is home to around 4,600 residents, with many elderly occupants who have lived there since the estate opened. Nearly 40% are aged 60 or above, according to census data.
A massive deployment of 304 fire engines and rescue units, supported by drones monitoring heat zones, remains at the scene as crews sift through smoke-filled corridors and shattered flats. Hundreds of evacuated families have been moved to temporary shelters.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has ordered immediate inspections of all public housing estates undergoing renovation. The government has also established a HKD 300 million (USD 43 million) relief fund to support affected residents.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences late Wednesday, urging authorities to “go all out” to save those still trapped, treat the injured, and assist grieving families, state media reported.
As firefighters brace for another long night, anguished relatives gather outside emergency cordons, waiting for news — and hoping the worst has not yet reached them.
