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Early investigations pointed to highly flammable renovation materials, leading to three arrests, while the government announced a HKD 300 million relief fund and ordered city-wide safety inspections.
Hong Kong’s worst blaze in 70 years leaves 83 dead, over 280 missing. (Photo: AP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 27, 2025 22:29 IST
Hong Kong’s worst fire disaster in seven decades continued to unfold on Thursday as firefighters struggled to put out a massive blaze that engulfed seven residential towers in Tai Po, pushing the death toll to 83 and leaving more than 280 people unaccounted for. Rescue teams worked through the day, extracting victims from upper floors still burning despite 48 hours of firefighting.
HERE ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS SO FAR
Authorities confirmed 83 fatalities, including a firefighter, in the blaze that began on Wednesday across seven 32-storey towers in the Wang Fuk Court estate.
City officials said more than 280 residents from the gutted buildings remained untraced as of Thursday evening.
At least 76 people were injured; 15 are in critical condition and 28 are seriously hurt, the officials added.
Flames in four blocks were brought under control, but the top levels of several towers continued to burn late on Thursday.
Full extraction operations continued, with drones deployed to detect heat pockets and prevent flare-ups. A total of 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles were mobilised.
All eight towers in the 1983-built estate were encased in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh for ongoing renovation, conditions that may have accelerated the spread of the fire.
Police said preliminary findings revealed highly flammable styrofoam covering lift windows on every floor, while exterior mesh and sheeting reportedly failed to meet fire safety norms.
Two directors and a consultant of the contractor handling the renovation were taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter.
The Hong Kong government set up a fund for affected residents; hundreds of evacuees have been moved to temporary shelters.
Chief Executive John Lee ordered inspections of all public housing estates under major renovation. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences and directed authorities to intensify firefighting, rescue, medical aid, and family support.
- Ends
With PTI inputs
Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Nov 27, 2025
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