TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A devastating fire at Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court (宏福苑) complex has claimed 128 lives and injured 79 others as of Friday (Nov. 28). Authorities have launched an investigation into the blaze, focusing on whether fire safety systems operated effectively during the incident. The death toll makes this one of Hong Kong's deadliest residential fires in recent history.
Fire Services Department Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan (陳慶勇) confirmed investigators will conduct a thorough examination of all fire safety systems at the complex. Chan stated the timeline for residents' return depends entirely on the investigation's findings and safety assessments. The fire persisted late into the night, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the massive blaze that engulfed multiple units.
Firefighters rescued multiple injured individuals from the scene, including a 75-year-old man and a couple aged 54 and 73 from Wang Fuk Court Block E. The couple, residents of Wang Tai House (宏泰閣), sheltered their immobile neighbor in their unit when the fire broke out. The husband, a former police officer, brought the neighbor to safety and waited six hours before rescuers reached them through the smoke and flames.
Residents at Sui Wo Court (穗禾苑) in Sha Tin have raised urgent fire safety concerns over aging scaffolding and protective nets covering the building's exterior walls. Bamboo scaffolds have remained in place for over two years, becoming increasingly brittle and dry in Hong Kong's humid climate. Residents fear the current windy, dry weather conditions significantly increase fire risk, particularly given the combustible nature of aged bamboo scaffolding materials.
Taiwan's Deputy Minister of the Interior Tung Chien-hung (董建宏) emphasized the critical importance of meeting national fire safety standards following the deadly Hong Kong residential blaze. Taiwan's current building regulations mandate automatic sprinkler systems in all residential buildings exceeding 11 floors in height. Comprehensive fire safety and suppression systems are required for structures exceeding 16 floors or 50 meters (164 feet) in height, ensuring enhanced protection for high-rise residents.
Firefighters continue conducting controlled explosions in each unit to locate trapped victims. The fire reignited in units at Wang Fuk Court Block F, including Wang Cheong House (宏昌閣) and Wang Tai House. Chan noted materials like foam complicated extinguishing efforts, and the Fire Services Department plans to establish an investigation team to assess their impact. ◼