Hong Kong Apartment Fire Death Toll Rises to 146

The death toll in the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has reached 146, following the discovery of additional bodies in the aftermath of the blaze that ignited on November 26, 2025. The Hong Kong police's Disaster Victim Identification Unit has reported that bodies have been located in both individual apartments and on the roofs of the eight-building complex, which is one of the worst fire disasters in the city's history. As the investigation continues, over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for, and 79 have sustained injuries. Authorities indicated that the search operations, hampered by low visibility and structural conditions, may take three to four weeks to complete, according to CBS News.

Witnesses at the scene have expressed their grief and concern, with many placing flowers at a makeshift memorial, calling the incident a 'wake-up call' about fire safety in high-rise buildings. The fire, which escalated to a No. 5 alarm, was reportedly fueled by renovations that included the use of non-flame-retardant materials such as foam boards to cover windows. This led to rapid fire spread across the complex, which houses nearly 4,600 residents. According to ABC News, the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities scrutinizing potential violations of fire codes.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Hong Kong government has ordered a halt to construction projects by Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, the contractor responsible for the renovations at Wang Fuk Court. Three individuals associated with the firm have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and eight others, including subcontractors and project managers, have also been taken into custody for their roles in the incident. The authorities are particularly focused on the management of site safety and the adequacy of fire alarms, which reportedly failed to activate during the fire, as noted by The Guardian US.

In response to the tragedy, the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management announced a nationwide inspection of high-rise buildings to identify and eliminate fire hazards, emphasizing the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols. Local residents, many of whom have lost their homes and loved ones, are currently being housed in temporary shelters, while officials are working on long-term housing solutions. In solidarity with the victims, three days of national mourning have been declared, and public officials will suspend non-essential activities during this period, as reported by ABC News. The fire's catastrophic impact has left a deep scar in the community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in densely populated urban environments.