The gigantic fire in Hong Kong is put out: over 128 dead and hundreds missing (and arrests for corruption are triggered)

The devastating fire that hit the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, has finally been put out after almost 48 hours of non-stop work by firefighters. The flames, which started from the bamboo scaffolding used for the renovation of the buildings, quickly enveloped seven of the eight towers of the complex, which housed over 4,600 residents. The number of victims has progressively increased, reaching according to the latest estimates at 128 deaths, while the count of the missing remains uncertain: there is talk of around 300 people still untraceable.

The heroic rescues and the many trapped pets

In the chaos of the hours following the disaster, rescuers performed miracles, such as saving a man found on the stairs to the 16th floor. Many residents instead reported the fire alarms not working, a flaw that would have prevented dozens of people from reaching safety in time. It is also feared that more than 100 pets were trapped in the flats.

Governor John Lee ordered immediate relief for the affected families and promised a full investigation. Chinese President Xi Jinping also expressed his condolences and asked to mobilize every resource to deal with the emergency. A tragedy that brings to mind dramatic events such as the Grenfell Tower fire, opening a painful debate on the safety of buildings in large metropolises.

The first hypotheses on the causes: doubts about the safety of the materials

From the first hours after the accident, the authorities raised doubts about the safety conditions of the materials used in the renovation started in 2024. The inspectors in fact reported the presence of polystyrene panels installed near the elevator shafts: a choice considered dangerous, since it is a highly flammable material that can favor the spread of a fire. Even the protective nets and sheets applied to the scaffolding may not comply with the required standards. The combination of these factors would have transformed the first outbreak into an unmanageable fire.

Investigations begin: suspicions of corruption and three arrests

The Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) announced the opening of a criminal investigation into the renovation work at the complex. Three people – a technical consultant and two managers of a construction company – were arrested on charges of manslaughter and gross negligence. The authorities intend to verify whether irregularities and economic pressures have influenced the design choices, compromising the safety of the entire structure.

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