Hong Kong: A devastating fire that swept through the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district has left residents in shock and disbelief. At least 44 people have been confirmed dead, while hundreds remain missing, and authorities fear the toll may rise further.
The massive blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon, forcing more than 1,000 people to evacuate as the flames spread quickly through multiple high-rise buildings. Emergency shelters have been set up as displaced residents wait for updates about their homes and missing loved ones.
Residents Witness Horror Unfold
Witnesses described scenes of panic and destruction as thick black smoke engulfed the apartments.
“When you get closer, the heat rises and the smoke is really heavy,” said student Thomas Liu, who watched firefighters attempt to contain the flames. He told the BBC he had seen a body being removed from the site and called the fire “a disaster”.
Many residents frantically searched for family members. Local councillor Mui Siu-fung said people had been calling and messaging her saying they still could not locate their relatives.
Cause Under Investigation; Construction Executives Arrested
Authorities are probing what caused the fire. Police say mesh material, plastic sheets and styrofoam—believed to be flammable—were found around the exterior of the buildings and may have contributed to the rapid spread.
Three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the presence of the unsafe materials.
Fear, Displacement and Uncertainty
Flames continued to burn inside individual apartments late into the night, as anxious crowds watched in silence.
Long-time resident Harry Cheung, who has lived in the complex for 40 years, said he heard a “very loud noise” before seeing a nearby block erupt in flames. “I don’t know how to feel… now I’m thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight,” he told Reuters.
Jason Kong, 65, said a neighbour called him from inside a tower block saying he was still trapped. “I am devastated… so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what to do,” he said, appealing for government support.
Another elderly woman who was not home during the fire said she was worried because her uninsured apartment had been destroyed. “I have no home to go to now,” she told BBC News.
Growing Anger Over Response
Some residents expressed frustration and questioned why more aggressive firefighting methods were not deployed.
“When there’s a wildfire, helicopters are used to drop water bombs — why was that not done here?” asked resident Ms Poon, who criticised the lack of instructions or guidance provided to victims.
The fire occurred close to a fire station, leaving many confused about how the flames spread so quickly.
Government Response
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee confirmed that government departments are coordinating relief efforts for affected families. Volunteers from the Tai Po community have already begun providing blankets, heat packs and essential supplies.
However, many residents remain deeply upset. Speaking to the BBC, some called the fire response “incompetent” and said the community is “immensely heartbroken”.
“We don’t want to see any more casualties,” one volunteer said.