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Wang Fuk Court Fire: Death Toll Rises to 159 as Searches Finish — Questions Remain

The death toll from a catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has reached 159 after police completed searches of all affected towers, though authorities say the number could still change pending forensic tests. Mourners have gathered at a nearby park to leave flowers, notes and origami cranes for victims aged from one to 97. Officials say flammable renovation netting and cladding likely helped the blaze spread, prompting an order to remove netting from major maintenance sites by Saturday. Police have arrested 15 people on suspicion of manslaughter and detained six more over allegedly malfunctioning fire alarms as investigations continue.

04:06 AM, 12/04/2025Society
Wang Fuk Court Fire: Death Toll Rises to 159 as Searches Finish — Questions Remain

The official death toll from the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has risen to 159 after police completed searches of all affected residential towers. Authorities cautioned the figure may still change pending forensic testing of remains that investigators described as 'suspected human bones'.

Searches and casualties

The blaze swept through the estate during major renovation work, quickly spreading across building exteriors wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting and foam-board cladding. Victims range in age from a one-year-old child to a 97-year-old resident.

Memorial and community response

Mourners have continued to gather at a nearby park to lay flowers, notes and strings of colourful origami cranes. Volunteers organised memorial displays and supplied paper and pens so visitors could leave messages. Sarah Lam, a volunteer organiser, said she hoped people could 'come here to lay their grief to rest' and urged for a swift uncovering of the truth so victims would not 'depart this world bearing undeserved grievances.' Forrest Li, 26, described the site as 'a bridge' for silent communication with those who died.

Cause, netting and emergency orders

Investigators say the fire was likely worsened by external netting and renovation materials that did not meet fire-resistance standards, allowing flames to race across the buildings' exteriors. In response, the Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn, ordered that netting be removed from all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance by Saturday.

Investigations and arrests

Police have arrested 15 people, including several construction executives, on suspicion of manslaughter. A further six people face separate allegations related to malfunctioning fire alarms during the blaze. Authorities say forensic work and additional inquiries are ongoing.

Security concerns and public reaction

Officials have acknowledged public anger and calls for accountability, while also warning against criminal acts that exploit the tragedy. The city leader urged restraint and lawful conduct, and the Office for Safeguarding National Security warned that external actors seeking to incite unrest over the incident would be pursued. Local reports say a small number of people were briefly detained in relation to public comments about the tragedy; student memorial spaces near some campuses have also been cordoned off as authorities monitor sentiment.

More than 2,900 displaced residents have been provided temporary housing. Investigations continue into the blaze's exact causes, building safety compliance during renovations, and the performance of alarm systems and emergency responses.

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