What we know so far:
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156 people, including a firefighter, confirmed dead
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79 injured, including 12 firefighters
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Status of about 30 people unclear
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HK$2.3 billion raised for rescue and relief efforts
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The eight blocks in Wang Fuk Court had been undergoing renovations since July 2024, covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh
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Authorities say highly flammable styrofoam caused fire to spread rapidly
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Government has launched criminal investigations into the blaze
Residents of the sole high-rise block unaffected by a deadly inferno that engulfed Hong Kong housing estate Wang Fuk Court last week will be allowed into their flats to retrieve personal items for 90 minutes on Wednesday and Thursday.
Two people will be allowed into each flat in Wang Chi House between 9am and 9pm on those two days. Authorities have not said when residents can move back in, citing the need for further investigations.
The fire broke out last Wednesday and claimed 156 lives so far. Flames were first spotted in Wang Cheong House and quickly engulfed six other high-rise blocks. Substandard protective netting on scaffolding surrounding the towers and styrofoam materials are believed to be among reasons for the flames’ rapid spread.
Hotlines for help:
Casualty inquiry hotline of police: 1878 999
Health Bureau’s Mental Health Support Hotline: 18111
Tai Po District Office help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for assistance and public inquiries: 2658 4040.
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Reporting by Fiona Sun, Oscar Liu, Angeline Jiang, Stephy Zhang, Emily Hung, Wynna Wong and Themis Chen
