What happened at Wang Fuk Court
The fire began on Wednesday and spread rapidly across seven of the estate’s eight tower blocks. Emergency services fought the blaze for more than 40 hours before bringing it largely under control. Authorities and on-scene reports say scaffolding netting, polystyrene foam and other flammable materials on the building exterior helped the flames travel vertically and laterally with alarming speed.
Human cost and ongoing search
At least 128 people have died and dozens more were injured; hundreds remain unaccounted for as families search hospitals and identification centres. Rescue and recovery teams worked through the night to recover victims and assess structural safety. Officials warned that final casualty figures may change as identification and forensic work continues.
Arrests, probes and corruption inquiries
Investigations have already produced arrests. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), detained multiple individuals linked to renovation works amid allegations of corruption and negligence. Police earlier arrested additional suspects on manslaughter-related grounds as evidence-gathering continued. Authorities have said they will pursue all leads, including contractor practices and compliance with safety rules.
Why the fire spread so fast
Preliminary technical analysis points to the combination of flammable exterior materials including plastic netting and polystyrene insulation and extensive bamboo scaffolding used during renovation. Strong local winds at the time are believed to have exacerbated the situation, carrying flames from one tower to the next. The blaze has prompted renewed scrutiny of renovation materials and scaffolding standards in high-rise districts.
Public anger and official response
The tragedy has triggered widespread public anger and grief. Citizens and civil society groups have demanded accountability and immediate reforms to building-safety oversight. The Hong Kong government set up condolence points across the city where residents can sign books and leave tributes. Beijing has ordered a nationwide inspection campaign targeting high-rise renovation safety following the disaster.
Key questions ahead
Authorities face three pressing tasks: complete forensic identification of victims, determine the precise sequence of failures that allowed the blaze to spread, and establish legal responsibility for negligence or corruption. The inquiry will examine whether previous complaints and safety inspections were adequate and why alarms and fire-safety systems reportedly did not function effectively in several blocks.
How to follow developments
RamRajya News will continue to track official updates and probe findings as they are released. For official statements and wider government responses, readers can consult the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the Press Information Bureau for any advisory or consular updates related to foreign nationals.
