A large fire hit the residential complex Wang Fuk Court, in the district of Tai Po, in Hong Kong, on Wednesday afternoon (26). The fire started at around 2:51 pm and quickly spread to seven of the eight 31-story buildings, leaving at least 55 people dead, including a firefighter. Autoridades locals confirm that hundreds of residents, mostly elderly, were trapped in the upper apartments due to dense smoke and intense heat.
The incident occurred during renovation work that began in July 2024, with bamboo scaffolding and flammable materials that facilitated the spread of the flames. Equipes rescue team, made up of hundreds of firefighters, faced difficulties accessing the high floors, where hoses could not reach properly. Até Thursday morning (27), 279 people remained missing, and 76 injured people were hospitalized, with 15 in critical condition.
Reports from survivors highlight the absence of audible fire alarms in some blocks, which delayed evacuation. The government raised the fire alert to the maximum level, the fifth, for the first time in 17 years, mobilizing resources to contain the fire that was still burning in isolated areas.
- Fire started on external scaffolding, possibly by electric spark;
- Accelerated spread by Styrofoam and protective nets in buildings;
- Evacuation of around 900 residents to temporary shelters;
- Volunteer donations include clothing, food and medical supplies.
Accelerated propagation through construction structures
The fire started in bamboo scaffolding in block A of the complex, built in the 1980s to house low-income families. Materiais such as Styrofoam used on external facades contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, reaching multiple floors in minutes.
Authorities point out that the renovations involved a green protective net, which contained smoke and prevented emergency exits. Bombeiros reported temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius in some spots, which forced pauses in search operations.
Rescue efforts amid wreckage
Emergency teams rescued a baby and an elderly woman early Wednesday evening, but extreme heat limited access. Até At the moment, 26 rescue groups are operating at the site, removing rubble to check for intact apartments.
Around 62 people were found trapped in seven buildings, with a focus on blocked corridors and staircases. Helicópteros helped with smoke ventilation, while drones mapped risk areas.
One firefighter died during the initial fight, increasing the number of fatalities. Outros 71 injuries include smoke inhalation and severe burns, treated at nearby hospitals.
Volunteers organized supply distribution points, with donations arriving from across the city. The government allocated 300 million dollars of Hong Kong for immediate assistance to the displaced.
Arrests and ongoing investigation
Three men linked to the construction company responsible for the renovations were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of manslaughter. The police opened criminal, administrative and corruption investigations to investigate security breaches.
Complaints from residents about the scaffolding date back to September and were registered with the buildings department. Especialistas question the durability of bamboo in dense urban construction, common in Hong Kong due to its reduced cost.
Executive leader John Lee classified the event as a massive catastrophe and promised audits of all similar construction sites. Xi Jinping, president of China, sent condolences and directed efforts to contain further damage.
Reports from affected residents
Peter Leung, 71, returned to the scene and described the scene as indelible. Seu apartment on the 28th floor escaped the flames, but he mourned the loss of nearby neighbors.
Mrs. Fong, 40, lost contact with her 70-year-old mother after a call at 8pm on Wednesday. Ela was waiting in shelter, along with other family members seeking updates.
Pets were rescued in some cases, with residents begging for rescue during emergency calls. Highway Tai Po remained closed, diverting traffic and bus lines.
Shelters and support for the homeless
Nine emergency centers house 500 people, with 250 doctors and professionals responding to demands. Escolas and community centers have been adapted to accommodate entire families.
Donations flow in from citizens, including essential clothing and food. The government plans temporary relocation to public units while it assesses the habitability of the buildings.
About 4,800 residents lived in the complex before the fire, with an emphasis on psychological support for survivors. Linhas help services operate 24 hours a day to register missing people.
Preventive measures in old buildings
Hong Kong records 20% increase in home renovations since 2020, driven by government programs. Normas requires semi-annual inspections of scaffolding, but inspection varies.
Experts recommend gradual replacement of bamboo with metal structures in high-density areas. Testes of flammability in facade materials will be mandatory after the incident.
The fire department plans awareness campaigns about alarms and escape routes in elderly condominiums. Investimentos in early detection technology totals 50 million dollars annually.
