Hong Kong observed a morning of profound sorrow on Saturday, November 29, 2025, as the government led a solemn citywide tribute to the victims of the catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an inferno that has claimed at least 128 lives. The official commemoration was initiated at 8 a.m. at government headquarters, where Chief Executive John Lee, flanked by senior mainland liaison officials, led a three-minute silence joined by top government officials, Executive Council members, and civil servants. Following the tribute, officials proceeded to sign condolence books, marking the start of a three-day mourning period focused on remembrance, recovery, and a thorough investigation.
City Mobilizes for Collective Mourning
The devastating fire, which erupted last Wednesday and rapidly consumed seven of the estate’s eight residential blocks, resulted in mass casualties, including 127 residents and one firefighter, with 79 injured. Early identification efforts confirm the grim toll, though around 200 people remain unaccounted for as tracing and recovery operations continue amid structural damage.
In a unified display of grief, communities across the city participated in the mourning. The Home Affairs Department established 18 district-level condolence counters, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until December 1, allowing the public to sign books of remembrance. In Tai Po, the epicentre of the tragedy, staff and residents at the Fu Heng Neighbourhood Community Centre paused simultaneously for the 8 a.m. silent tribute, reflecting the immense sorrow gripping the district.
To honour the deceased, flags on all public buildings and facilities across Hong Kong were mandated to fly at half-mast for three days. The administration also cancelled or postponed non-essential official events to concentrate resources on the ongoing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts.
Investigation Focuses on Construction Materials
The rapid spread of the fire has brought intense scrutiny upon the building materials used during the major maintenance project underway since July 2024. Preliminary inquiries by officials point to the use of highly flammable styrofoam near lift lobby windows on every floor. These materials, investigators noted, potentially accelerated the fire and allowed flames to rapidly breach corridors and residential units. Furthermore, initial reports suggest that some external protective sheeting and netting wrapped around the bamboo scaffolding failed to meet fire safety standards.
Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation encompassing the police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Three senior figures from Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. Limited, the contractor overseeing the maintenance, were previously arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have since been released on bail as inquiries proceed. The investigation is examining all factors contributing to the catastrophe, including the structure of the scaffolding, the protective netting, and the highly combustible foam used for window sealing.
Immediate Support for Displaced Residents
President Xi Jinping conveyed his condolences shortly after the incident, urging all-out efforts to minimize losses. Following a hospital visit to the injured, Chief Executive Lee pledged a transparent and exhaustive review of both the fire and the integrity of the building’s scaffolding system.
The government has swiftly activated extensive support measures for the displaced, including opening temporary shelters and disbursing emergency cash relief. A coordinated welfare effort, termed the “one household, one social worker” scheme, is providing psychosocial care, accommodation support, and access to free transitional housing, youth hostels, and hotel rooms. The Social Welfare Department urges those affected who have not yet registered to contact their hotline for immediate case support.
The aftermath remains a complex challenge involving forensic identification and site management. Distraught families are queuing at community centres, beginning the painful process of identifying loved ones, hoping the recovery effort will bring clarity.
Police Casualty Inquiry Hotline: 1878 999
Health Bureau Mental Health Support Hotline: 18111
Tai Po District Office Help Desk: 2658 4040