Hong Kong Mourns as Search Continues After Deadly Tower Fire

Post by : Saif Nasser

Hong Kong is facing one of the darkest moments in its recent history. A massive fire that swept through seven apartment towers in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate has killed at least 146 people, left dozens missing, and forced hundreds of families into temporary shelters. It is the city’s deadliest fire in more than 75 years, and the tragedy has shaken the entire community.

The fire began last Wednesday and spread quickly across buildings that were under renovation. Police have finished searching four of the seven damaged towers, where many victims were found in stairwells and on rooftops. These heartbreaking discoveries show how residents desperately tried to escape the flames but became trapped in the chaos.

Thousands of people gathered on Sunday to honour the victims. Mourners lined up for more than a kilometre along a nearby canal, quietly placing flowers and saying prayers. Among the dead were at least nine domestic helpers from Indonesia and one from the Philippines, whose families are now waiting for answers and support. Similar vigils are also expected this week in Tokyo and London. About 40 people are still missing.

While investigators are still trying to find the exact cause of the fire, early signs point to serious safety failures. The buildings were covered in green mesh, bamboo scaffolding, and layers of foam insulation—materials that may have helped the fire spread faster. Fire alarms were also reportedly not working properly. These details have sparked public anger, with many asking why earlier warnings from residents were ignored.

Last year, residents had complained about fire hazards caused by the renovation materials, but officials assured them the risks were “relatively low.” Now, many families are questioning how such assurances were made and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

Police have arrested 11 people as part of a growing investigation into possible corruption and the use of unsafe construction materials. One young man, 24-year-old Miles Kwan, was detained after joining a petition demanding an independent probe. Two others have also been arrested on suspicion of “seditious intent,” according to local media. The police have not given full details but say all actions are being taken according to the law.

The tragedy comes at a sensitive time in Hong Kong, with legislative elections scheduled for this weekend. The incident has also drawn political attention, with China’s national security office issuing a warning against anyone who may try to use the disaster to spark protests similar to those in 2019. The office stated that anyone attempting to “disrupt Hong Kong through disaster” will face strict punishment.

Amid the grief and investigations, thousands of survivors are trying to rebuild their daily lives. More than 1,100 people have been moved from evacuation centres to temporary housing, and another 680 are staying in youth hostels and hotels. Many escaped with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, leaving behind their belongings, documents, and memories.

To help families recover, the Hong Kong government is offering emergency funds of HK$10,000 to each household. Officials are also helping people replace lost identity cards, passports, and marriage certificates, trying to make the transition a little easier.

The economic and emotional damage is enormous. More than 4,000 people lived in the affected apartment blocks, according to census data. Families now face uncertainty as they try to find stability, rebuild their homes, and cope with the trauma of the disaster.

As Hong Kong searches for answers, the tragedy highlights the importance of strict building safety, transparent investigations, and responsible oversight. Many people are calling for stronger measures to ensure such a horrific event never happens again.

For now, the city remains in mourning—with families waiting for the names of the missing, communities offering comfort, and authorities continuing their slow and painful search through the charred remains of what once were homes.

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