Death Toll Rises to 128 in Hong Kong Apartment Blaze

The death toll from a devastating fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong has reached **128** as rescue teams continue their search for victims. The blaze at the **Wang Fuk Court** complex, which began on **March 13, 2024**, and was fully extinguished on **March 15, 2024**, is now considered one of the deadliest in the city’s history. Local authorities confirmed the grim figure as they combed through the remains of the burnt towers, revealing more bodies within the wreckage.

Chris Tang, the Secretary for Security, addressed reporters at the site, emphasizing that the search for victims was ongoing and that the numbers could increase. The fire erupted in the afternoon and rapidly spread, fueled by bamboo scaffolding that was being used for renovations. The intensity of the flames engulfed seven out of the eight towers in the complex, injuring more than **70** people, including **11** firefighters.

Firefighters have been meticulously searching each apartment in an effort to locate any survivors. Derek Armstrong Chan, a deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Services, indicated that the final search was nearing completion, with crews focusing on units from which they had received over **25** calls for assistance during the blaze. Many of these calls came from higher floors, where the fire was last controlled.

The residential complex, situated in the **Tai Po district**, housed nearly **2,000** apartments and was home to approximately **4,800** residents. Early assessments suggested that authorities were unable to contact **279** residents, raising concerns about potential casualties. “We will endeavor to force entry into all the units of the seven blocks concerned to ensure that no further casualties exist,” Chan stated.

As the investigation into the fire continues, authorities have arrested three individuals connected to the renovation project, including directors and an engineering consultant from the **Prestige Construction & Engineering Company**. They face suspicions of manslaughter and gross negligence. The police have not disclosed the identities of the suspects but have noted that some materials used in the construction may not have met fire resistance standards, which could have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

Reports indicate that the fire alarm systems in certain buildings may have been malfunctioning. Additionally, highly flammable plastic foam panels were discovered near elevator lobbies in the unaffected tower, further complicating the investigation. Authorities are conducting immediate inspections of other housing estates undergoing major renovations to ensure compliance with safety standards.

This tragic incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, surpassing a **1996** commercial building fire in **Kowloon** that claimed **41** lives. The local government has pledged to address the safety concerns raised by this incident to prevent future tragedies.