Overview
- At least 94 people are confirmed dead, dozens are injured, and more than 270 remain missing after the Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po, according to the latest tallies reported Friday.
- Disney canceled the gala premiere, a special screening for Magic Access members, Joey Yung’s scheduled park appearance, and the evening fireworks show at Hong Kong Disneyland with follow-up arrangements to be announced.
- Investigators are examining whether renovation practices and flammable materials on bamboo scaffolding, including boards that blocked windows, accelerated the fire’s spread.
- Firefighters said extreme heat and falling debris initially hampered rescues; the deputy fire chief said the blaze was expected to be extinguished by Friday evening and reported survivors found in several buildings.
- Multiple events across the city were pared back or postponed, including the MAMA Awards shifting to a mourning format, several concerts being delayed, and Oxfam canceling its Trailwalker to free resources for the response.