Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in over seven decades, which has killed at least 128 people, is fueling public outrage and a widening criminal investigation into alleged corruption and safety negligence as the city begins three days of official mourning.
Authorities have arrested eight individuals on corruption charges linked to renovations at the residential complex. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) stated that those detained include an engineering company director and a scaffolding subcontractor. These arrests follow three previous detentions on charges of negligent homicide.
The escalating probe comes amid confirmations that fire alarms across all eight affected buildings at Wong Fuk Court were not functioning effectively during the blaze. Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department verified these system failures.
Residents of Wong Fuk Court had previously reported faulty fire alarms and have made allegations of negligence against the company responsible for the building’s renovation. The incident has intensified public scrutiny over accountability and high-rise safety standards in the city.
The fire, which erupted on Wednesday, November 26, has claimed at least 128 lives, injured 83 people, and left approximately 150 still missing. Officials anticipate the death toll could rise further.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, along with other senior officials, observed a three-minute silence on Saturday in front of government headquarters to mark the start of the mourning period. Chinese and Hong Kong flags were lowered to half-mast, and the government has established public mourning points across the city for condolences.
The blaze began at the Wong Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district, a residential development constructed in 1983 housing an estimated 4,600 residents. The fire rapidly spread to seven of the eight buildings, requiring over 2,000 firefighters almost two days to bring under control.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials noted the fire’s rapid spread both inside and outside the structures was due to flammable materials. These included polystyrene foam installed outside windows and plastic netting surrounding scaffolding.
The buildings were enveloped in bamboo scaffolding, a common material for construction and renovation projects in Hong Kong. This widespread use has sparked a public debate over its continued suitability and safety.
The Hong Kong Secretary for Labour and Welfare revealed that Wong Fuk Court had undergone 16 inspections since July last year. A thorough investigation into the catastrophic event is expected to continue for several more weeks.