Wang Fuk Court Fire Investigation Intensifies as Viral Videos of Workers Spark Public Outcry

A devastating fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing estate has killed at least 128 people. The blaze erupted on Wednesday, rapidly engulfing seven high-rise towers in the Tai Po district. It is the city’s deadliest fire in over seven decades.

Authorities confirm nearly 900 residents were displaced and moved to temporary shelters. The official cause remains under active investigation by fire and police units.

Social Media Videos Fuel Public Anger and Speculation

Public scrutiny intensified after videos of construction workers smoking on scaffolding resurfaced online. The clips, shared widely on platforms like X, show workers taking breaks during exterior repair work. Many social media users allege this recklessness may have contributed to the disaster.

According to Reuters, police have not confirmed any direct link between the videos and the fire’s ignition. Officials noted that flammable netting and plastic foam panels on the scaffolding, combined with strong winds, fueled the rapid spread of the flames. The online footage has nonetheless sparked a fierce debate over on-site safety protocols.

Police Detain Construction Firm Executives in Manslaughter Probe

The tragedy has triggered a significant police response. Authorities have detained two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction, the firm handling the estate’s renovations. They are being investigated for possible manslaughter.

Police executed a search of the company’s office, seizing tender documents, staff records, and electronic devices. The investigation is examining whether the materials used in the renovation project met mandatory fire-resistance standards. This probe seeks to determine if corporate negligence played a role in the high death toll.

Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, announced a HK$300 million relief fund for affected families. Several major corporations and charitable foundations have also pledged financial support for the victims and their relatives.

The official investigation into the Wang Fuk Court fire continues as the city mourns its profound loss, with a nation watching for answers and accountability.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the Wang Fuk Court fire?

The official cause is still under investigation. Authorities are examining multiple factors, including the role of highly flammable renovation materials and strong winds that accelerated the blaze.

How many people died in the Hong Kong fire?

The fire claimed at least 128 lives. This makes it the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since a warehouse inferno killed 176 people back in 1948.

Which company was responsible for the renovations?

Prestige Construction was the contractor for the exterior repair work at Wang Fuk Court. Police have detained several of the company’s executives as part of their ongoing manslaughter investigation.

What is being done for the survivors?

The Hong Kong government has established a HK$300 million relief fund. Additional financial support has been pledged by various major companies and charitable foundations to aid displaced residents.

Why did the fire spread so quickly?

The fire spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding, plastic foam panels, and protective netting that caught fire. Strong winds at the time helped the flames jump between the closely built towers.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, BBC News