The intensive search for victims of the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong is nearing completion. The blaze, which erupted last week, has claimed at least 146 lives, marking the deadliest fire in the city in several decades. Firefighters battled the inferno that engulfed seven high-rise towers, home to over 4,000 residents, many of whom are elderly.
Specialists, including approximately 600 disaster victim identification officers, have meticulously combed through the charred remains of the complex since the fire was extinguished on March 1, 2024. Police Superintendent Cheng Ka-chun, who leads the identification unit, reported that bodies have been discovered in various locations, including building corridors, apartments, and even rooftops.
The search operation has been complicated by challenging conditions. Poor lighting and narrow corridors, obstructed by debris, have hindered the recovery efforts. “The whole apartment has gone pitch-dark without electricity and lighting,” Cheng noted during a press conference on March 3. By the evening of March 3, search teams had successfully removed remains from four of the seven towers.
Among the deceased are several elderly residents, foreign domestic workers, and a firefighter who was responding to the emergency. Nine of the domestic workers hailed from Indonesia, while one was from the Philippines, according to their respective consulates.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, hundreds of Hong Kong residents gathered at the site to pay their respects. The outpouring of grief saw a long queue stretching over a kilometer in the Tai Po neighborhood. Mourners, including families, elderly individuals, and foreign domestic helpers, left flowers and heartfelt messages. One note read, “Truth will reveal itself. God bless Hong Kong.”
As the community rallies to support those affected, donations have surged, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. Local businesses and residents have contributed food and essential supplies to a resource center established by volunteers within the housing complex.
Despite the community’s solidarity, authorities have expressed concern over potential anti-government sentiments resurfacing. The Beijing national security office in Hong Kong has cautioned against any attempts to exploit the tragedy for political dissent. Following this warning, national security police have arrested three individuals, including one accused of inciting unrest by promoting an online petition for an independent inquiry into the fire, which gathered over 10,000 signatures before being removed.
In a further indication of the government’s vigilance, a high-ranking police superintendent overseeing national security visited the fire site. Authorities have since requested volunteers to vacate the area, announcing a centralization of resource distribution and requiring individuals to register via WhatsApp for donations.
As recovery efforts continue, the community remains united in mourning and support, while grappling with the implications of this tragic event.
