The death toll from the devastating fire that engulfed a residential estate in Hong Kong has climbed to 128, with dozens of residents still reported missing, the city’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, said at a press conference on Friday. The tragedy has left the community grieving, and Tang extended his deepest condolences to all those affected by the catastrophic event.​

The blaze broke out on November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, one of the worst fires in Hong Kong's recent history. The fire rapidly spread across seven of the estate’s eight towers, each 31 stories high and housing thousands of residents, making rescue and containment extremely challenging. Firefighters battled intense flames and thick smoke, with some apartments still ablaze for days after the incident.​

Despite exhaustive search and rescue operations, many residents remain unaccounted for, and investigators have been focusing efforts on specific apartments issuing distress calls during the fire. The complex nature of the fire, exacerbated by bamboo scaffolding on the exterior, aided the spread, with strong winds further complicating firefighting efforts. Tragically, among the deceased was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with his team during the incident.​

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Authorities have launched a comprehensive task force to investigate the fire’s origins and hold accountable any parties responsible. Meanwhile, community centers near the affected site have become gathering points for relatives and friends seeking information and support. The city is mourning one of its deadliest disasters, with hundreds of families awaiting news of their loved ones while recovery crews continue their painstaking work.​

As the emergency response transitions to recovery, officials have assured that no stone will be left unturned in preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring better safety standards for Hong Kong’s high-density residential complexes. The impact of the fire has resonated deeply, highlighting vulnerabilities in urban safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness.​

Also Read: Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze Kills Four; Bamboo Scaffolding Fuels Rapid Spread