Hong Kong Fire Claims 146 Lives as Mourning Overflows

Fri Dec 05 2025 10:11:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating fire in Hong Kong has led to the tragic loss of at least 146 lives, prompting an outpouring of grief as thousands gather to pay their respects to the victims.

The toll from a catastrophic fire in Hong Kong has risen to 146 fatalities, with 79 injured and 150 still missing. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause, amid public anger concerning safety measures and building materials. A major mourning event has seen thousands visiting the site to honor the victims.

At least 146 people are known to have died in a devastating fire that tore through multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong.

Police announced the death toll in a news conference on Sunday, cautioning that they cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities. A further 79 are injured and 150 remain missing, they said.

Seven of eight tower blocks in a housing complex in the northerly Tai Po district rapidly went up in flames on Wednesday, leading to accusations that flammable materials on the exterior of the buildings contributed to the tragedy.

Thousands gathered at the Wang Fuk Court complex on Sunday to mourn the victims, with queues extending nearly 2km.

The death toll has been rising as officials work to recover and identify bodies. An investigation has been launched regarding potential negligence, and eight people have already been arrested on suspicion of corruption related to ongoing renovations.

This fire, which rapidly spread upward and between the blocks, was only brought under full control by Friday morning after the efforts of over 2,000 firefighters.

Indonesia's consulate reported that at least seven of its nationals died, and the Philippine consulate confirmed one casualty among its citizens. Among the deceased is firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who was found collapsed at the scene after losing contact.

The fire department reported that temperatures peaked at 500C (932F) during the blaze, injuring twelve firefighters. The fast spread of the fire has reignited debate over the use of bamboo scaffolding and other construction standards in Hong Kong.

Many residents reported that fire alarms had failed, raising concerns about safety protocols. The Independent Commission Against Corruption is looking into whether those responsible were grossly negligent.

In response to the deadliest fire in over 70 years, Hong Kong's government declared a three-day mourning period starting Saturday, marked by a three-minute silence from officials. As mourning continues, tributes of flowers and messages flood the scene.

Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, housed approximately 4,600 residents, nearly 40% of whom are 65 years or older.

Historically, the deadliest fire in Hong Kong killed 176 people in 1948. The city is now grappling with the implications of this latest tragedy on its safety regulations and building practices.