HONG KONG — A devastating, multi-block fire in a Hong Kong residential complex has resulted in at least 94 fatalities, including one firefighter, with dozens more hospitalized, initiating a massive coordinated recovery and investigation effort by city authorities. As of 7 a.m. today, the Hospital Authority reported managing 56 patients related to the incident, with 12 listed in critical condition, 28 serious, and 16 stable. Since the initial outbreak, 22 victims have been treated and discharged.
The immediate casualty toll, confirmed by the Fire Services Department (FSD), totaled 94 deaths and 76 injured individuals treated by emergency services, including 11 injured firefighters. Initial reports indicated the most severe impacts were concentrated at Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House, where the conflagration was most intense.
Exhaustive Firefighting and Rescue Operations
Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations) Chan Hing-yong announced that the primary firefighting phase was largely complete, though crews continued active suppression efforts in four separate flats to cool persistent hotspots and prevent rekindling, or “reflashing,” which had been observed. Full extinguishment was anticipated by nightfall. The focus then shifted decisively to rescue operations, targeting 25 outstanding calls for assistance, some originating from the higher floors of affected blocks, including Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House.
Firefighters were preparing to execute forced-entry searches across seven residential blocks to confirm that no residents remained trapped. This rigorous sweep was scheduled for completion around 9 a.m. The FSD noted an instance where a separate unit caught fire, showcasing intense flames surging from a window and thick smoke, which necessitated the deployment of a hydraulic platform before the blaze intensified and spread within that flat. Subsequent checks confirmed that while Wang Tai House, Wang Tao House, and Wang Yan House were previously involved, no visible flames were noted at the time of the update.
Emergency Response and Investigation Begins
The scale of the disaster required a substantial emergency response. Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer (New Territories West) Lam Cheuk-ho confirmed that 117 ambulances were deployed. A total of 155 casualties were officially recorded: 79 declared dead at the scene, and 76 transported to hospitals. Notably, one firefighter perished in the line of duty, and 11 others remain in stable condition. Authorities stated the precise number of missing persons will be verified following the completion of search efforts.
Coroner’s personnel were on-site, having transferred five bodies, presumed destined for Fu Shan Public Mortuary to facilitate family identification.
The next critical phase involves a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and an assessment of whether fire protection systems across the complex functioned correctly. Officials also noted the discovery of expanded polystyrene materials in other unaffected blocks, which is slated for examination by the investigation team once search and extinguishing operations are finalized. Decisions regarding the safe return of displaced residents hinge entirely on these structural and systemic assessments.
The disaster highlights the urgent need for robust fire preparedness and safety protocol adherence in high-density residential areas, with authorities signaling a comprehensive review of building safety standards following this tragic event.