Hong Kong — Thousands of mourners gathered in Tai Po on Sunday in a powerful show of unity and grief as the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of its deadliest fire in more than 70 years. A three-day citywide mourning period is now in effect, with national and Hong Kong flags flying at half-mast to honor the 146 lives lost.
The Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU) uncovered 18 additional bodies in the wreckage of Wang Fuk Court, where eight residential blocks had been under renovation since July 2024. Authorities say flammable styrofoam used in the construction works likely intensified the rapid spread of the blaze.
Search operations have been completed in four of the seven affected buildings, though around 40 people remain unaccounted for and about 100 cases have been classified as “unresolvable.”
Citywide Relief and Resettlement Efforts
Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun confirmed that 1,827 survivors have been moved into temporary accommodation including hotels and transitional housing, while the government has secured 200 additional long-term homes, adding to the 1,800 previously identified.
More than 1,700 households have also received an emergency cash payment of HK$10,000 (US$1,284), with an additional HK$50,000 living allowance available for affected victims. Measures to ease mortgage burdens for homeowners are also being rolled out.
Impact on Migrant Domestic Workers
The Indonesian and Philippine communities—among the hardest hit—continue to search for missing loved ones.
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Indonesia: Nine helpers confirmed dead; one remains hospitalized; 94 safe; 36 unaccounted for.
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Philippines: One helper confirmed dead; 84 safe; seven unaccounted for; one injured.
Beijing has praised Hong Kong’s ongoing rescue and relief response, pledging full support as the investigation continues.
What We Know So Far
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146 dead, including one firefighter
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79 injured, including 12 firefighters
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Around 40 people missing
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Eight residential blocks were undergoing renovations with bamboo scaffolding and green mesh
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Highly flammable styrofoam used in construction accelerated the fire
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Criminal investigations launched into the cause
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Three-day citywide mourning declared
As Tai Po mourns, Hong Kong stands united in honoring those lost and supporting the thousands whose lives were upended by this unprecedented tragedy.
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Indo Thai News extends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all communities affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.