HONG KONG: A profound tragedy has struck Hong Kong, where a devastating fire in the densely populated Tai Po district has claimed at least 146 lives, making it the city’s deadliest inferno in nearly eight decades. Rescue teams are continuing the grim task of recovering bodies from the charred ruins of the Wang Fuk Court estate, a complex of 32-storey towers that were engulfed after the blaze tore through bamboo scaffolding. The fire, which spread with terrifying speed, has led to criminal suspicions. Police have arrested three officials, two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction on suspicion of manslaughter.
The investigation suggests that the gross negligence involved the use of flammable foam boards blocking windows and combustible external materials, which allowed the flames to rip upward and across towers in minutes. The tragedy has been particularly devastating for the city’s migrant community. A Philippine support group reported that 19 Filipino domestic workers remain missing, while Indonesia's consulate confirmed two of its nationals were among the dead. The high-rise was home to many of the city’s over 368,000 domestic workers, many of whom reside in cramped quarters. The inferno has also reignited an urgent debate over Hong Kong’s centuries-old reliance on bamboo scaffolding. Officials believe the blaze originated on the highly combustible bamboo structure outside one tower before jumping internally, accelerating the spread to multiple blocks. The tragedy is expected to hasten the city's move toward metal scaffolding, forcing a critical change in ancient construction practices. In response, Hong Kong leader John Lee has announced a HK$300 million (US$39 million) relief fund to support the affected families and survivors.