Firefighters said early on Friday they expect a search and rescue operation at a fire-ravaged Tai Po estate to be completed by 9am, when they anticipate they would have gained access to all of the flats at the seven apartment blocks affected by the inferno.

The Fire Service Department said as of 6am on Friday, the death toll in the tragedy had risen to 94, with 76 others injured.

Earlier, deputy fire services director Derek Chan told an early-morning briefing that firefighters would prioritise three calls for help that they received late on Thursday, out of 25 outstanding requests for assistance.

"At the same time, we'll endeavour to effect forcible entry to all the units of the seven buildings, so as to ensure there are no other possible casualties," he told reporters.

Chan said after the operation is complete, they’ll be able to provide a full tally of the number of missing. Chief Executive John Lee had said early on Thursday that 279 people were unaccounted for.

The deputy fire chief said most of the casualties were from two apartment blocks where the fire was particularly fierce – Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House.

Chan said while the fire had already largely been put out, a few units were still on fire, and firefighters would hose down the smouldering embers to lower temperatures and prevent reignition.

Asked when residents could move back in, Chan said authorities first have to complete an inspection of the buildings’ anti-fire systems.
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Last updated: 2025-11-28 HKT 06:47