Hong Kong has witnessed its deadliest fire in nearly 80 years in a blaze that has claimed at least 128 lives, injured 79 – including 12 firefighters – and left hundreds of people missing, sparking outrage across the city over what is being labelled safety negligence. Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, has been identified as among those killed, after his body was found collapsed at the scene, some 30 minutes after contact with him was lost.

Flames erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, a complex of eight high-rise towers and home to more than 4,600 residents. Renovation work had been taking place and the fire began on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that surrounded the buildings during the work. Due to their highly flammable nature, it allowed the blaze to spread rapidly across multiple towers. Some 2,311 firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the fire – which started at a lower level before moving upwards – under control. It is understood that the inferno reached a peak temperature of 500C (932F).

Survivors described scenes of chaos as alarms failed to sound, corridors filled with smoke and residents had to bang frantically on their neighbours doors to warn them of the disaster unfolding. Families waited in shelters for news of loved ones, many clutching photographs in desperation with anguished cries being heard repeatedly. 

Investigations revealed flammable foam boards blocking windows and unsafe scaffolding practices. Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of corruption regarding the work that had been undertaken before the fire. Three others were detained earlier on manslaughter charges, including directors at an engineering company and scaffolding subcontractors.

The disaster has reignited debate over Hong Kong’s reliance on bamboo scaffolding, a traditional but risky practice that the government had already begun phasing out. The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by Hong Kong’s aging population, as nearly 40% of Wang Fuk Court’s residents were elderly. Meanwhile, crowds have been gathering at a nearby community hall that has been opened to families looking for missing loved ones. Relatives are being asked to help with the identification process by bringing in family photos.

The Hong Kong government has also set up shelters and support centres for displaced residents. Groups of volunteers have been packing and organising supplies for those affected, including clothing and hygiene products. Officials say rescue efforts have now concluded and many are seeing this tragedy as a massive wake-up call for Hong Kong’s urban safety policies.

As investigations continue over the next three or four week, the city will be confronting some hard questions about accountability, modernisation, and the protection of its most vulnerable citizens. The memory of this disaster will likely shape Hong Kong’s housing and safety regulations for decades to come.