Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in 75 Years: Search Continues, Death Toll Reaches 146

Hong Kong authorities continued large-scale search operations on Monday (December 1, 2025) across the charred remains of the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, where a massive blaze last week claimed at least 146 lives and left hundreds homeless. Many survivors are now adjusting to life in temporary shelters as rescue teams comb through the last of the destroyed towers.

Police teams have completed searches in four of the seven high-rise blocks that were engulfed in flames. Disturbingly, several victims were found in stairwells and on rooftops, indicating they were trapped while trying to escape the fast-spreading fire—Hong Kong’s worst since the 1950s.

The tragedy has shaken the city. Thousands of residents gathered over the weekend to mourn the victims, forming a line more than a kilometre long along the canal beside the devastated estate. Among the dead are at least 10 migrant domestic workers, including nine Indonesians and one from the Philippines. Vigils are also planned this week in Tokyo and London.

Authorities say around 40 people are still missing.

Cause Under Investigation

The fire began last Wednesday and rapidly spread across the exterior of buildings that were undergoing renovation. Officials are still probing the cause, but public anger is rising amid reports of ignored fire risk warnings and unsafe construction practices.

Beijing has issued strict warnings against any “anti-China” demonstrations following the disaster. Sources say one person associated with a petition demanding an independent investigation has already been detained. Police declined to confirm specifics but said actions will be taken “in accordance with the law.”

Search Enters Most Challenging Phase

The remaining towers to be searched are the most heavily damaged. Amy Lam, a senior police official, stated that the final phase of operations will be “the most difficult” and could take weeks to complete.