Tragedy Strikes Hong Kong: 146 Lives Lost in Devastating High-Rise Fire

Sun Dec 07 2025 04:12:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hong Kong is in mourning as the death toll rises from a catastrophic fire that engulfed multiple high-rise towers, with ongoing investigations and community responses highlighting widespread anguish and calls for accountability.

In the wake of a catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, at least 146 lives have been claimed, with many still missing. A period of national mourning has begun, with thousands paying their respects. The disaster has ignited outrage over construction safety practices, raising urgent questions as investigations into the cause and accountability proceed.

At least 146 people are now known to have died in the devastating fire that tore through high-rise buildings in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Authorities announced the new death toll amidst ongoing threats of further fatalities, as 150 individuals remain unaccounted for and at least 79 others are injured.

The fire rapidly engulfed seven out of the eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district. Community anger has surged over accusations that flammable construction materials contributed to the fire's rapid spread.

In response, three days of national mourning commenced, with thousands gathering to honor the victims, forming lines stretching up to 2 kilometers to pay their respects with flowers and handwritten notes.

Indonesian worker Romlah Rosidah expressed surprise at the turnout: This event was only spread on social media, but it turned out their hearts moved, she stated to news agency Reuters. Another Filipino worker shared sentiments of solidarity with the Hong Kong community during this tragedy.

The fire represents the deadliest incident of its kind in Hong Kong in over 70 years, as authorities begin piecing together the causes that led to such an immense loss of life. Investigations have already led to eight arrests, including for alleged corruption linked to recent renovations on the towers.

Fire department officials reported that temperatures peaked at an alarming 500C, and concerns are mounting over the adequacy of fire safety measures, as some residents reported faulty alarms.

It has also rekindled public debate surrounding construction practices, specifically regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding and plastic materials that may pose a fire hazard. Hong Kong's buildings department has since suspended work on 30 projects pending review.

The impact of this tragedy ripples through a community that had provided homes for nearly 4,600 residents, many of whom are elderly, raising critical questions about urban safety standards and emergency response capabilities.

As investigations continue, the community reflects on the shared grief of a significant loss, united in memoriam for those who perished in the flames.