The tragedy at Wang Fuk Court continues to unfold. Emergency responders discovered dozens more bodies on Friday. This happened during an exhaustive search of the high-rise complex.
Officials have now confirmed that the death toll has risen to at least 128. This makes it one of the deadliest fires in the city’s history.
The discovery of 34 additional victims highlights the ferocity of the blaze. The fire raged for nearly 24 hours before crews could fully extinguish it.
A Harrowing Search Operation
Rescue crews are prioritizing specific apartments. These are units where residents made distress calls during the inferno but could not be reached immediately.
Derek Armstrong Chan is a deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Services. He explained that firefighters are combing through the wreckage meticulously. However, intense heat has made identification difficult.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang confirmed a grim reality. Some victims were so badly burned that immediate identification is impossible. He warned that casualty figures could rise as the search continues.
Investigation Reveals Safety Failures
As recovery proceeds, investigators are uncovering alarming safety lapses. Andy Yeung, the director of Fire Services, revealed a critical failure. First responders found non-functioning fire alarms within the complex.
Yeung indicated that this could lead to legal consequences. Those responsible for building management may face severe penalties. Authorities estimate the investigation will take three to four weeks.
How the Disaster Unfolded
The catastrophe began on Wednesday afternoon. It started in one of the complex’s eight towers.
Flames spread with terrifying speed. Bamboo scaffolding and protective netting fueled the fire. These materials were in place for renovations.
Consequently, the fire jumped from building to building. Eventually, seven of the eight towers were engulfed. It took 2,300 firefighters a full day to bring the situation under control.
The fire was declared “out” on Friday morning. However, smoke continued to drift from the charred skeletons of the buildings.
A Community Devastated
The Wang Fuk Court complex is a dense residential hub. It is located in the Tai Po district near the mainland border. The site houses nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents.
The human cost extends beyond the fatalities. At least 79 people have been injured. This number includes 12 brave firefighters.
As the search continues, uncertainty hangs over the community. Families are waiting desperately for news of missing loved ones.
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