Authorities have revealed that the foam insulation used by builders significantly contributed to the fire’s intensity, and that the fire alarms in the building complex were malfunctioning.

A significant number of individuals remain unaccounted for following the incident.

Police have searched four out of the seven towers that were consumed by flames during the calamity at Wang Fuk Court estate on Wednesday. They discovered the bodies of residents who were caught in stairways and on rooftops as they attempted to escape the inferno.

In response to growing public outrage over ignored fire safety warnings and evidence of hazardous building practices, Beijing has issued a warning against any “anti-China” demonstrations.

Firefighters battled the blaze into the night after it ignited on Wednesday afternoon, working tirelessly to suppress it. Source: AP / Chan Long Hei

Amid pockets of public anger over missed fire risk warnings and evidence of unsafe construction practices, Beijing has warned it would crack down on any “anti-China” protests.

Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control after it erupted on Wednesday afternoon. Source: AP / Chan Long Hei

At least one person involved in a petition calling for an independent probe among other demands was detained for around two days, sources familiar with the matter said.

Police have declined to comment on specifics, saying only that they will take action in accordance with the law.

Search may continue for weeks

Throngs of officers arrived at the site early on Monday morning to continue their search of the burnt-out buildings.

Hundreds of people have been moved from evacuation shelters to temporary accommodation. Source: SIPA USA / Vernon Yuen

The apartment blocks were home to more than 4,000 people, according to census data, and those that escaped must now try to get their lives back on track.

With many residents leaving behind belongings as they fled, authorities have offered emergency funds of HK$10,000 (AU$1980) to each household and provided special assistance for issuing new identity cards, passports and marriage certificates.

Residents had expressed safety concerns

The residents raised concerns in September, 2024, including about the potential flammability of the mesh contractors used to cover the scaffolding, a department spokesperson said.

The fire is Hong Kong’s deadliest in decades. Source: AAP / Nexpher Images/Sipa USA/Vernon Yuen

Jane Poon, a former Hong Kong resident who now lives in Australia, told SBS Cantonese last week that people from her community regularly passed by the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.