Hong Kong’s Deadliest Blaze In Decades Kills At Least 65, Scores Missing
The death toll has reached at least 65, including one firefighter, with around 70-77 people injured and many more unaccounted for. Rescuers are continuing their search in difficult conditions.
Location: The fire affected seven of the eight high-rise apartment towers, home to more than 4,000 people, many of whom are elderly residents.
Cause and Spread: The blaze began on external bamboo scaffolding erected for a major renovation project and spread rapidly, likely aided by highly flammable materials used on the exterior, such as green construction netting and polystyrene foam boards installed at windows. This rapid external spread was described as "unusual" by authorities.
Investigation and Arrests: A criminal investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire. Police arrested three men—two directors and an engineering consultant from the construction company, Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, responsible for the renovations—on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Authorities suspect the materials used did not meet fire safety standards.
Response: The fire was declared a level five alarm, the highest severity rating in Hong Kong. Following the disaster, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee ordered immediate inspections of all housing estates currently undergoing major renovations. The government is also considering a complete switch from bamboo to metal scaffolding for safety reasons.
Of the 65 people confirmed dead by 8 pm local time (1200 GMT) Thursday, one was a 37-year-old firefighter, and two were Indonesians working as migrant domestic workers.
It is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when an explosion followed by a fire killed 135 people.
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