27.11.2025 08:45
In the Tai Po district of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, a fire broke out yesterday in a complex of 8 apartments, resulting in the deaths of 44 people, while 279 others are still unaccounted for. The complex, which is estimated to house around 4,000 residents, saw flames engulfing 7 apartments, of which 3 have been brought under control, while the fire continues to rage 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 in Tai Po.
The fire, which started in a complex with more than 1,900 apartments around noon yesterday, spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding erected on the exterior for building renovations. According to a statement from the local fire department, 44 people have died so far, including one firefighter. Among those hospitalized, 45 individuals are in critical condition.
FIRE CONTINUES IN 4 BUILDINGS
In the complex, 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 individuals, and 26 firefighting teams are continuing their efforts to extinguish the fire.
3 SUSPECTS DETAINED
Authorities have detained 3 individuals, including two managers and a consulting engineer from the construction company conducting the renovations, on suspicion of "manslaughter through negligence" in connection with the fire. It is reported that the bamboo scaffolding erected on the buildings 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 serious negligence, 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."
LEVEL 5 ALARM ISSUED
In Hong Kong, which uses a 5-level rating system for the severity of fires, a level 5 alarm has been issued for the first time in 17 years. Authorities reported that two nearby complexes 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 caused 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.