Hong Kong – The death toll from a massive fire that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential complex has climbed to 128, authorities confirmed Tuesday, making it one of the deadliest blazes in the city’s history. Rescue operations continue as firefighters work to reach dozens still believed trapped within the burning building.
The fire, which began Sunday, rapidly spread through the aging complex, a subsidized housing project built in 1983. Wang Fuk Court comprises 1,984 homes and houses approximately 4,600 residents, many of whom are elderly. According to 2021 census data, over a third of the tenants are 65 or older, with a further quarter to a third falling within the 40-64 age bracket. The tragedy underscores concerns about fire safety in densely populated,older residential buildings and the vulnerability of low-income communities.
the complex’s apartments are notably small, ranging from 37 to 46 square meters. Firefighters are facing significant challenges navigating the building’s layout and the sheer scale of the disaster. The cause of the fire remains under examination.
