Hong Kong, Nov 28 – The fire that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court neighbourhood has claimed 94 lives, the Fire Department announced, following a blaze that began on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread across all eight apartment blocks. A Thursday briefing revealed that 72 people were hospitalized for injuries, including eight firefighters, and that more than 200 residents remain unaccounted for. In response, the services dispatched 304 engines and rescue units, deployed drones to monitor heat and prevent reignition, and successfully doused the flames in four buildings while bringing the remaining three under control, Xinhua reported. Each of the eight towers was wrapped in green mesh and scaffolding for a major refurbishment, and police say the heavy presence of flammable materials may have accelerated the spread; three individuals charged with manslaughter over the renovation have already been taken into custody. Earlier that night, Chief Executive John Lee told reporters that thanks to persistent firefighting efforts the fire was gradually being suppressed. He added that roughly 279 people are still missing, 29 remain hospitalized—seven of them in critical condition—and that the situation deeply saddens him. In the outside view, three buildings now show no more flame, while the other four host only sporadic sparks. Lee promised that the government would marshal all available resources to support rescue operations, directing all agencies to focus on extinguishing the blaze, rescuing trapped tenants, caring for the wounded, offering support to grieving families, and conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The department received the alarm at 2:51 p.m. on Wednesday but raised a No. 5 emergency call by 6:22 p.m. due to the intense fire. At a temporary shelter, Home Affairs, Civil Aid Service, Care Teams and Police coordinated to deliver assistance. Lam Yick Kuen, a Tai Po Care Team member and district councillor, noted that many groups and individuals stepped forward to donate supplies, showcasing solidarity during the crisis.
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