Death toll in Hong Kong residential fire rises to 128 as rescue efforts continue

Hong Kong Fire News: The death toll in one of the deadliest fires in decades has now climbed to 128 in a Hong Kong complex fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after 42 hours, according to officials, foreign media reported.

So far, 79 people are feared injured. Sixteen bodies remain inside the building, and the status of around 200 residents is still unknown. Three arrests have been made in connection with the incident, in which three construction officials—two directors and an engineering consultant—are now in custody as authorities investigate possible corruption linked to the renovation project.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and was fully extinguished by Friday morning. Police said flammable foam boards blocking windows and highly combustible materials on exterior walls allowed the flames to spread rapidly across the towers. The blaze ultimately tore through the residential apartment complex, engulfing seven of its eight buildings.

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Even after the fire was put out, smoke continued to rise for two days, causing occasional flare-ups.Emergency teams have been combing through the gutted towers, forcing entry into apartments and responding to distress calls, with at least 25 calls still unresolved.

Families Struggle with Uncertainty

Outside a community center, families waited in silence as officials displayed photos from inside the building to help identify victims.

Many residents were migrant domestic workers. A Philippine support group reported 19 Filipino workers still missing, while Indonesia’s consulate confirmed two of its nationals among the dead.

A daughter, searching for her missing father, said she feared the worst. Another resident, looking for a friend’s wife, described the uncertainty as unbearable.

Hundreds of survivors spent a second night in a nearby shopping mall, sleeping on mattresses or in tents rather than official shelters. Elderly residents, children, and families gathered outside fast-food outlets, where volunteers distributed food and hygiene supplies.

The tragedy has raised concerns in one of the world’s most densely populated cities, where rising housing costs and ageing buildings often trigger frustration.

Hong Kong leader John Lee announced a HK$300 million (US$39 million) relief fund for families and survivors.

Several of China’s largest companies have also pledged donations to support those affected with this tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the cause and scale of the disaster, highlighting safety and regulatory concerns in the city’s older residential complexes.