Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Climbs to 55

DID Press: Hong Kong authorities announced that the death toll from a massive fire in a residential complex climbed to 55, while hundreds remain missing and dozens are injured. Initial investigations suggest that scaffolding and renovation coverings may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

The Hong Kong Fire Services Department reported on Thursday that 51 people died at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries after being transferred to the hospital. The fire, which began around 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the Wang Fuk Court estate in northern Tai Po, quickly spread to seven of the complex’s eight towers, prompting the city’s highest-level fire alert.

Authorities say 279 people are still unaccounted for, and nearly 900 residents have been moved to temporary shelters. Hundreds of housing units suffered damage, and many individuals were injured.

Police have arrested two building managers and one engineering consultant on suspicion of manslaughter, and they are investigating the contractor responsible for the tower renovations. According to investigators, bamboo scaffolding and green protective netting used for reconstruction around the buildings accelerated the spread of the fire.

John Lee, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, stated that authorities are reviewing whether the construction materials used met fire-safety standards. He added that the government has launched immediate inspections of all buildings currently undergoing renovation and will provide temporary housing and financial aid to affected families.

Hong Kong’s Security Secretary, Chris Tang, said there were signs of “irregularities” in the protective structures around the towers, prompting the launch of a full criminal investigation. He noted that the speed and intensity of the fire were far beyond normal expectations.

The 32-story towers, built in 1983, contain around 2,000 residential units, and nearly one-third of the residents are over the age of 65. Renovation work on the complex began last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for all possible efforts to reduce casualties. Local authorities have confirmed that the fire has been fully extinguished in four towers, while efforts continue to control the remaining affected buildings.