The death toll from the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has reached **146** as of March 15, 2024. Investigators have uncovered additional bodies within the burned structures, prompting a continuous flow of mourners who are leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial near the site. The fire began on March 12 and took nearly three days to fully extinguish.
According to Officer **Cheng Ka-chun** of the Hong Kong police’s Disaster Victim Identification Unit, search efforts have been challenging due to poor visibility within the buildings. Bodies have been located in various apartment units and even on the roofs of the complex. Cheng described the conditions, stating, “It is so dark inside, and because of the low light, it is very difficult to do the work, especially in places away from the windows.” So far, investigators have examined four of the seven blocks within the complex.
More than **100** individuals remain unaccounted for, while **79** others have sustained injuries, announced **Tsang Shuk-yin**, head of the Hong Kong police casualty unit. As the community mourns, many have gathered to pay their respects, leaving handwritten notes and offering prayers. One local resident, **Lian Shuzheng**, highlighted the tragedy’s significance, saying, “This really serves as a wake-up call for everyone, especially with these super high-rise buildings.”
The fire raised serious safety concerns, particularly regarding the construction practices of **Prestige Construction & Engineering Company**, the contractor behind the renovations at Wang Fuk Court. In response, authorities have ordered the immediate suspension of work on **28** building projects managed by the same company for safety audits. The Hong Kong government stated that the fire exposed significant deficiencies in safety management, including the extensive use of foam boards that blocked windows during repairs.
Following the incident, three men, including directors and an engineering consultant from the company, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The **Hong Kong Anti-Corruption Commission** has also taken action, arresting an additional eight individuals linked to the project, including directors and subcontractors.
Investigations are focusing on potential violations of fire safety codes. Preliminary findings revealed that the fire started on lower-level scaffolding netting and rapidly spread as foam panels ignited and shattered windows. **Chris Tang**, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, noted that winds further accelerated the fire’s progression across the complex, which consists of **eight** 31-story buildings housing approximately **2,000** apartments and more than **4,600** residents.
The tragic incident has led to many residents being temporarily housed in emergency shelters or hotels. **Jeffery Chan**, a civil servant who visited the memorial, expressed the community’s grief, stating, “As a Hong Konger, seeing people in the place where we live lose their families, lose everything in just one night — if you put yourself in their shoes, it is unbearable.”
In a broader response, the **Ministry of Emergency Management** in Beijing announced a nationwide inspection of high-rise buildings to identify and mitigate fire hazards. This inspection will focus on the use of bamboo scaffolding, non-flame-retardant materials, and the effectiveness of firefighting equipment such as fire hydrant systems and automatic sprinklers.
As the investigation continues, the impact of this tragedy resonates throughout Hong Kong, prompting discussions about safety regulations in high-rise buildings and the need for stricter enforcement of fire codes. The loss felt by families and the community at large serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in urban living environments.
