Brief return to fire-hit Hong Kong estate for some residents – as it happened
Authorities also say scaffolding mesh on about 200 buildings across the city must be taken down within three days
What we know so far:
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159 people, including a firefighter, confirmed dead
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79 injured, including 12 firefighters
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About 30 people remain unaccounted for
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HK$2.3 billion raised for rescue and relief efforts
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The eight blocks in Wang Fuk Court had been undergoing renovations since July 2024, covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh
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Authorities say highly flammable styrofoam and substandard mesh caused fire to spread rapidly
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Government is setting up a judge-led independent review committee to investigate the disaster
Residents of the sole high-rise block unaffected by a deadly inferno that engulfed Hong Kong housing estate Wang Fuk Court last week have been allowed into their flats to retrieve personal items for 90 minutes.
Authorities said two people would be allowed into each flat in Wang Chi House between 9am and 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday. They have not said when residents can move back in, citing the need for further investigations.
The fire broke out last Wednesday, claiming 156 lives so far. Flames were first spotted in Wang Cheong House and quickly engulfed six other high-rise blocks. Substandard protective netting on scaffolding surrounding the towers and styrofoam materials are believed to be among reasons for the flames’ rapid spread.
Hotlines for help:
Casualty inquiry hotline of police: 1878 999
Health Bureau’s Mental Health Support Hotline: 18111
Tai Po District Office help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for assistance and public inquiries: 2658 4040.
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Reporting by Fiona Sun, Oscar Liu, Angeline Jiang, Stephy Zhang, Emily Hung, Wynna Wong and Themis Chen, Lo Hoi-ying, Denise Tsang and Danny Mok.