27.11.2025 11:05
The number of people who lost their lives in the fire that broke out yesterday in a complex of 8 apartment buildings in Hong Kong has risen to 55. Authorities reported that 279 people are missing and have not been heard from. In the complex, which is estimated to house around 4,000 people, flames have engulfed 7 apartment buildings, with 3 of them brought under control while the fire continues in 4 buildings.
According to a report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP), the death toll and number of injuries are rising from the fire that broke out at a site in Tai Po.
The fire, which started in the site with more than 1,900 apartments around noon yesterday, spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding set up on the exterior for building renovations. According to a statement from the local fire department, the number of fatalities in the massive site has risen to 55.
FIRE CONTINUES IN 4 BUILDINGS
In the site, where approximately 4,000 people are estimated to live, flames have engulfed 7 apartments, with 3 of them brought under control while the fire continues in 4 buildings. There is still no news from 279 people, while 26 fire crews are continuing their firefighting efforts.
3 SUSPECTS DETAINED
Authorities have detained 3 individuals, including two managers and a consulting engineer from the construction company conducting the renovations at the site, on suspicion of "manslaughter by negligence" in connection with the fire. It is reported that the bamboo scaffolding set up for the renovations and the plastic foam material covering the windows contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Police Chief Inspector Eileen Chung Lai-yee stated, "We have reasons to believe that the responsible individuals from the company had gross negligence in the incident, which led to the rapid spread of the fire and a significant number of casualties."
Security Minister Chris Tang also stated that initial investigations indicate that the rapid spread of the fire was unusual, largely due to the plastic foam insulation material, saying, "We observed that the material covering the building walls, the nets surrounding the scaffolding, and the waterproof tarpaulin spread flames faster than what would be expected with standard materials."
5TH LEVEL ALARM ISSUED
In Hong Kong, where a 5-level rating system is used for the severity of fires, a 5th level alarm has been issued for the first time in 17 years. Authorities reported that two nearby sites were also evacuated, and around 900 affected citizens have taken refuge in 8 temporary shelters that were set up.
Officials noted that more than 140 firefighting vehicles and over 800 health and fire personnel have been dispatched to the scene. The Ministry of Transport announced that surrounding roads have been closed to traffic due to the fire.
CONDOLENCES FROM PRESIDENT XI
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the Hong Kong government for those who lost their lives in the fire and instructed Beijing's Office for Hong Kong and Macao Affairs to provide support to the local government in combating the fire. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed deep sorrow over the fire, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Lee held an emergency meeting with his cabinet to coordinate efforts related to the fire.