25.11.28.Today News : Hong Kong Apartment Fire Kills 128, Nearly 200 Missing… Renovation Failures Under Investigation

Hong Kong Apartment Fire Kills 128, Nearly 200 Missing… Renovation Failures Under Investigation

📍Mass Casualty Blaze at Wong Fuk Court Sparks Probe into Flammable Materials and Poor Construction Management

A massive fire that swept through a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left 128 people dead and around 200 missing. The blaze is believed to have originated during a renovation project, prompting authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into construction failures and safety negligence.

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🔹 128 Dead and 200 Missing in One of Hong Kong’s Worst Residential Fires
As of the afternoon of the 28th, authorities confirmed that 128 residents of Wong Fuk Court, a 32-story apartment complex, have died. Among the victims, 108 bodies were recovered on-site, 16 remain inside the building, and four died after being transported to the hospital. Seventy-nine people were injured, including 12 firefighters, while approximately 200 residents remain unaccounted for.

🔹 Fire Spread Rapidly Through Highly Flammable Styrofoam Panels
Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang stated that the fire “appeared to have started from a renovation safety net installed on the lower exterior,” adding that “highly flammable styrofoam panels surrounding windows and doors allowed flames to spread upward at high speed.”

Authorities also confirmed that the building’s fire alarms did not operate properly, delaying evacuation. Due to the severely damaged conditions, evidence collection may take up to four weeks.

🔹 2,300 Personnel Deployed, Fire Contained After 43 Hours
More than 2,300 firefighters and paramedics, along with 309 fire trucks, were mobilized for the large-scale response. The fire spread to seven of the complex’s eight residential blocks, which house nearly 2,000 households. Approximately 900 displaced residents are staying in eight temporary shelters set up at nearby schools and facilities.

🔹 Five Construction and Management Officials Arrested
Police arrested five individuals—including personnel from the renovation contractor and engineering consultancy—on charges of manslaughter. Investigators suspect that flammable materials and negligent construction management contributed significantly to the scale of the disaster.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has also launched a probe into potential misconduct involving the HK$330 million renovation project.

🔹 Government to Provide Funeral and Living Support Funds
The Hong Kong government announced a payment of HK$200,000 to each bereaved family and additional emergency and living support funds for affected residents. Officials emphasized that the disaster may constitute a major case of human negligence and pledged systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.

One-line summary : A fire at Hong Kong’s Wong Fuk Court high-rise left 128 dead and 200 missing, prompting authorities to investigate renovation failures and the use of flammable materials.