Hong Kong Mourns as Wang Fuk Court Fire Death Toll Rises to 146

Thousands of people gathered across Hong Kong on Sunday to mourn victims of the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, where officials now say at least 146 people have died. Long queues of mourners—many dressed in dark clothing and carrying flowers—formed near the charred residential estate as families and neighbours paid their respects.

Mourning and public reaction

A small park beside the damaged estate became a focal point for grief, with lines stretching more than 1.2 kilometres in Tai Po and some people waiting hours to lay flowers. Vigils and prayer events were also held across the city, including in the central business district and Victoria Park, drawing many migrant domestic workers and other residents.

Recovery and casualties

Police said the confirmed death toll rose to 146 from 128 after members of the Disaster Victim Identification Unit expanded searches and recovered additional bodies. The 18 newly found bodies were located in flats, stairwells, corridors and on rooftops. Authorities said 54 of the recovered bodies remain unidentified and officers are still trying to contact around 40 people reported missing.

Fourteen people injured in the blaze remain in critical condition in hospital, with another four listed as serious. The Housing Department reported that inspections of six of the estate’s eight residential blocks showed no immediate structural danger.

Investigations and arrests

Authorities have established an interdepartmental task force to investigate the cause of the blaze. The city’s anti-corruption commission has also been involved and said it has arrested 11 people in connection with the incident; three of those have been detained by police on manslaughter-related allegations.

Local media widely reported that a sedition arrest was made in relation to a petition calling for an independent probe; reports identified the person taken into custody as a 24-year-old student, who was among those distributing flyers. Officials have said they will act according to the law and have provided limited public comment as inquiries continue.

Government and community responses

Beijing’s national security office in Hong Kong expressed support for local authorities’ efforts to prevent actions it described as using the disaster to stir unrest. In response to safety concerns, the Buildings Department ordered a temporary suspension of works on 30 private construction projects citywide.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced Sunday’s race meeting would be held behind closed doors and that the event’s gross income of HK$70.2 million (about US$9 million) will be donated to a government relief fund.

"As of 4:00 pm (0800 GMT), the latest death toll stands at 146. We cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities," said a senior police official, noting that recovery and identification efforts remain under way.

The situation remains fluid as investigators and emergency teams continue searches, community groups coordinate support for families, and the city grapples with the aftermath of one of the deadliest residential fires in recent memory.