King Charles has sent a message of condolence to the people of Hong Kong after the devastating fire in Tai Po, which has become one of the deadliest residential disasters in the city’s history.
The fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex on November 26, killing at least 128 people and injuring many more.
Hundreds of residents were initially reported missing, and recovery efforts have continued as authorities work to identify victims and account for those uncontactable.
In a statement signed “Charles R,” the King said he and Queen Camilla were “greatly saddened” to learn of the tragedy.
He offered “heartfelt thoughts” to those who had lost loved ones, and expressed sympathy for the many residents now living with shock, grief and uncertainty.
The King also praised the “extraordinary courage of the emergency services” who battled the blaze, and the “determined spirit” of neighbours who stepped in to help one another as the disaster unfolded.
The King’s message is a rare direct address from a British monarch to the people of Hong Kong, underscoring the scale of the loss and the emotional impact of the catastrophe.
In closing his statement, he said that “the families and loved ones of those whose precious lives have been lost, and the people of Hong Kong, will remain in our prayers and in our hearts.”
King Charles offers ‘profound sympathy’ after devastating Hong Kong fire
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GETTY / REUTERS
The fire is believed to have begun on bamboo scaffolding surrounding one of the residential towers undergoing renovation.
Wrapped in plastic mesh and combined with foam insulation materials on the building exterior, the scaffolding allowed flames to spread with extraordinary speed up the façade before jumping between several 31-storey blocks.
The rapid spread trapped many residents inside their homes as smoke filled corridors and stairwells. It took more than 2,000 firefighters and several hours of intensive effort to fully contain the blaze.
The scale of the disaster has prompted widespread public anger in Hong Kong, where questions are being asked about long-standing construction practices and fire-safety oversight.
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Bamboo scaffolding remains common across the city, but investigators say the materials used around the scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court may have acted as fuel.
Police have arrested several individuals connected to the renovation project on suspicion of manslaughter, while separate anti-corruption inquiries are examining aspects of the construction contracts.
Authorities have acknowledged that safety complaints had been raised about the site in the months before the fire.
The Hong Kong government has announced emergency financial assistance for survivors and for families who have lost relatives.
Flower bouquet is placed at the scene of the Wang Fuk Court housing estate fire as mourners pay tribute to the victims, in Tai Po
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REUTERS
Temporary shelters have been opened across Tai Po to house hundreds of displaced residents, and community organisations have mobilised to distribute food, clothing and medical supplies.
Many local families are still awaiting news of missing relatives as police and forensic teams continue the painstaking process of identifying victims.
Across the city, the tragedy has drawn comparisons to other high-rise disasters, prompting calls for urgent reforms to building-safety rules, especially during large-scale renovation works.
Public mourning has been widespread, with candlelit vigils held in several districts. Messages of sympathy from leaders around the world have continued to arrive, including from China’s President Xi Jinping.