Deadliest fire in a century in Hong Kong: at least 94 dead, 279 missing

The fire started at Wang Fuk Court Housing Estate in Tai Po at 2:51 PM, spreading rapidly through bamboo scaffolding, which was highly flammable, and green netting covering the buildings for renovations. The fire quickly spread to surrounding buildings.

Local media report that the alert level was raised to Level Four at 3:34 PM and Level Five, the highest alert in Hong Kong, at 6:22 PM.

The estate has eight high-rise buildings with 1,984 flats. Around 40% of residents are over 65. The rapid fire spread claimed many lives, and rescue operations were difficult.

Bamboo scaffolding and green netting, combined with non-fire-resistant materials like polystyrene foam, fueled the fire. Hong Kong police have arrested two construction company directors and one engineer, citing negligence as the main cause of the disaster.

Chief Executive John Lee announced safety inspections for all housing renovation projects. A firefighter was among the dead. The Hong Kong Fire Service deployed 1,200 firefighters and ambulance personnel. Each affected family will receive HKD 10,000 emergency relief, and the government established a HKD 300 million fund to provide two-week accommodation in hotels or hostels.

Local residents have begun returning to work and school, though rescue operations continue. This fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in a century and has raised questions about building and safety standards.