Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Rises to 128 as Rescuers Conclude Search

Overview

• Security chief Chris Tang said 128 people were confirmed dead and at least 79 were injured, including 12 firefighters.
• Only 39 victims have been identified so far, and officials said more bodies could be found as police enter for investigation.
• Police arrested two directors and a consultant engineer from Prestige Construction on suspicion of manslaughter linked to hazardous materials, seizing tender files and electronic devices in a raid.
• Authorities reported a malfunctioning alarm system and facade scaffolding with green netting that accelerated the fire across the Wan Fuk Court estate.
• The blaze began Wednesday on external scaffolding, spread to seven of eight 32‑story towers in windy conditions, and operations have shifted to recovery and identification.