Hong Kong high-rise fire leaves more than 128 dead as authorities face criticism over safety and oversight.
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| Firefighters work inside a tower after a fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, on November 28, 2025. Photo by Leung Man Hei/Bloomberg/Getty Images |
Anger and grief over a deadly Hong Kong high-rise fire continued to simmer on Sunday as residents mourned the more than 128 victims, while Beijing warned against attempts to use the tragedy to disrupt the city. The blaze at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district has shocked the financial hub, raising urgent questions about building safety, fire prevention, and oversight of renovation work.
Police detained a 24-year-old university student, Miles Kwan, on Saturday for allegedly attempting to incite sedition in connection with the fire, according to two sources familiar with the case. Kwan was reportedly part of a group that circulated an online petition demanding government accountability, an independent probe into potential corruption, proper resettlement for displaced residents, and a review of construction oversight.
The petition gathered over 10,000 signatures before being taken offline on Saturday afternoon. A second petition, initiated by a Tai Po resident currently living abroad, mirrors the first’s demands, calling for transparency and justice. In the comment section of the new petition, one supporter wrote, “Hongkongers demand the truth and justice,” reflecting widespread public frustration over the disaster and the authorities’ response.
The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon and quickly engulfed seven of the eight 32-storey residential blocks in the Wang Fuk Court complex, which were undergoing renovations at the time. Bamboo scaffolding wrapped in green mesh, combined with foam insulation and other construction materials, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. The estate, home to over 4,600 people, suffered extensive damage, leaving scores dead and at least 150 still missing.
Rescue operations officially concluded on Friday, though authorities have cautioned that additional bodies may be discovered in the coming weeks as officers carefully comb through the burnt-out buildings. Hundreds of police and rescue personnel were deployed during the recovery effort, retrieving three cats and a turtle while finding no additional human remains at the time of the press briefing.
Authorities have highlighted that the fire alarms within the Wang Fuk Court complex were not functioning properly, a failure that likely exacerbated the severity of the disaster. Residents had previously raised concerns about fire hazards linked to ongoing renovations, including the flammability of the green mesh covering the bamboo scaffolding, but were told by the Labour Department last year that the estate faced “relatively low fire risks.”
The Hong Kong government has launched criminal and corruption investigations into the blaze, which is the deadliest in the city since 1948, when a warehouse fire claimed 176 lives. So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the disaster, with authorities scrutinizing the use of unsafe materials during renovation work and potential lapses in construction oversight.
Authorities are particularly concerned about ensuring accountability and preventing public unrest in the aftermath of the fire. China’s national security authorities issued a statement on Saturday warning against attempts to exploit the tragedy to create instability in the city. “We sternly warn the anti-China disruptors who attempt to ‘disrupt Hong Kong through disaster’. No matter what methods you use, you will certainly be held accountable and strictly punished under the Hong Kong national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance,” the statement said.
The warning underscores the sensitivity of the authorities to public protests, particularly in light of the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations that prompted Beijing to impose a sweeping national security law. Officials are walking a fine line between responding to legitimate public concern and suppressing dissent that could be framed as politically motivated.
Residents, families of the victims, and activists have expressed outrage at what they perceive as systemic negligence. The scale of the disaster has amplified scrutiny of Hong Kong’s building safety standards, fire prevention protocols, and the oversight of renovation projects in high-rise residential estates.
“We need a full investigation and justice for the victims,” said KY, a signatory to the second petition. Many Hongkongers echo this sentiment, demanding transparency in the government’s handling of building inspections and construction approvals. Social media platforms have been flooded with condolences, calls for reform, and discussions about accountability, reflecting the deep emotional impact of the tragedy on the community.
Donations and relief efforts have surged as both large and small companies, as well as civic organizations, contribute resources to assist affected families. Relief centers have been set up to provide temporary shelter, financial support, and counseling for survivors and relatives of the deceased.
The Wang Fuk Court disaster has brought renewed attention to longstanding concerns about building safety and regulatory oversight in Hong Kong. The city’s rapid urban development, combined with extensive renovation work in older estates, has sometimes created conditions conducive to fire hazards. Investigations are focusing on whether contractors adhered to safety standards, used appropriate materials, and complied with regulatory inspections.
Authorities have also emphasized that the high-rise fire could serve as a cautionary example for other estates, prompting reviews of fire prevention systems and emergency response readiness across the city. The Labour Department and fire services have pledged stricter enforcement of safety measures and more thorough inspections to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community mourning and recovery
Amid investigations and political tension, Hongkongers continue to mourn the victims of the blaze. Candlelight vigils, memorials, and online tributes have sprung up throughout the city, reflecting collective grief and the human toll of the disaster. Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, describing the chaos as flames engulfed corridors and stairwells, and smoke filled escape routes.
Authorities are attempting to balance grief management, public accountability, and enforcement of safety regulations, while also addressing potential political sensitivities. This has created a highly charged environment where mourning, civic concern, and political oversight intersect.
As investigations continue, attention is likely to focus on three areas: determining the exact cause of the fire, holding responsible parties accountable for any negligence, and implementing reforms to prevent future tragedies. The arrests and criminal probes signify an initial step toward accountability, but public pressure is likely to demand a more thorough review of construction practices, government oversight, and disaster preparedness across Hong Kong.
With the Hong Kong high-rise fire now being described as the deadliest in nearly 80 years, the stakes are high for both authorities and residents. Policymakers must navigate the twin imperatives of ensuring public safety and maintaining social stability, while the community demands justice and meaningful reform to prevent a repeat of the devastating incident.
