The tragic five-alarm blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, which claimed at least 44 lives by Thursday morning, has transitioned from a crisis response to a complex criminal investigation focusing on construction negligence. As emergency services continue intensive search and rescue operations, police announced the arrest of three construction firm principals—two directors and an engineering consultant aged between 52 and 68—on suspicion of manslaughter. Simultaneously, overwhelmed local residents mobilized to ferry vital supplies to the hundreds displaced, even as collection points reached saturation.
The fire, which erupted Wednesday night, necessitated the deployment of 888 firefighters, who battled the intense flames across seven of the estate’s eight residential towers. The official death toll stood at a minimum of 44 by Thursday morning, comprising 40 fatalities certified at the scene and four deaths confirmed at the hospital. Further, hospitals across the territory admitted 62 victims, reporting 17 in critical condition and 24 in serious condition.
Investigation Focuses on Flammable Materials
Preliminary observations by the Fire Services Department and the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit indicate systemic failures in fire safety standards relating to protective materials used during ongoing building works. Investigators noted that external materials, including protective netting, waterproof sheeting, and plastic tarpaulins, appeared to burn unusually aggressively, potentially failing to meet mandatory flame-retardant requirements.
Furthermore, officers discovered an additional vulnerability: an unaffected block utilized highly combustible polystyrene boards to seal elevator lobby windows on every floor, a material that could significantly accelerate fire spread. Police suspect a contracting firm installed these materials, suggesting serious negligence contributed to the rapid escalation and heavy casualties.
The registered contractor, Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., Limited, was engaged by the estate’s owners’ corporation. The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU), responsible for overseeing such works under the Buildings Ordinance, will launch its own investigation into procedural breaches. The Buildings Department reiterated that contractors must use flame-retardant materials for scaffolding and protective sheeting, referencing circulars issued last month reinforcing these requirements.
Rescue Efforts and Community Response
Fire services personnel advanced floor-by-floor in the affected towers, pushing operations up to the 18th floor in some sections, with rescue teams reaching between the 13th and 23rd floors. The immense operation resulted in injuries to seven firefighters, and tragically, one firefighter died while in the line of duty. Fire Services officials projected that active rescue operations would continue until at least dusk.
As rescue efforts unfolded, the local community rallied to support the displaced residents. Volunteers collected and distributed bottled water, non-perishable food, and clothing near Wan Tau Street, though the sheer volume of donations soon forced some temporary relief centers to pause intake.
The Home Affairs Department has opened eight temporary shelters and deployed multisectoral Care Teams to assist the affected families with immediate needs, including providing temporary accommodation.
Next Steps in the Inquiry
Once the ongoing rescue work is concluded, a comprehensive joint inquiry will commence, involving the Fire Services Department, the Government Laboratory, the Forensic Pathology Service, and other relevant departments. Police face the grim task of handling victim remains and are working with forensic pathologists to expedite identification and liaise with grieving families.
Authorities urge members of the public with any information related to the incident to contact the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit via its 24-hour hotline at 5566 0087. The arrests of the construction executives underscore the authorities’ commitment to holding those responsible accountable for the devastating loss of life.