Hong Kong is grappling with one of its deadliest urban disasters in decades after a massive fire tore through a residential apartment complex, killing at least 55 people and leaving nearly 300 others unaccounted for, according to authorities. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday night, continued burning into Thursday as emergency crews battled intense flames and smoke.
Police: Unsafe Materials Likely Sparked Catastrophic Fire
Hong Kong Police announced that early investigations point to a “grossly negligent” construction firm as a potential cause of the blaze. Officials allege the company used highly flammable, non-compliant materials during recent renovation works inside the building a violation that may have accelerated the rapid spread of the fire.
Senior Superintendent Lau Tak-ming told reporters:
“Initial evidence suggests the use of illegal renovation materials that failed fire-safety standards. If confirmed, this would amount to gross negligence with catastrophic consequences.”
Authorities have detained several individuals linked to the renovation project as part of the ongoing investigation.
Hundreds Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify
As of Thursday afternoon, over 280 residents remained missing, raising fears that the final death toll could rise sharply. Firefighters have struggled to access upper floors due to structural instability and collapsing stairwells. Drone teams and thermal imaging units have been deployed to locate survivors trapped under debris.
Families gathered outside the cordoned off area, anxiously waiting for updates as smoke continued to billow from the building’s charred frame.
One of Hong Kong’s Worst Fires in Modern History
This tragedy could become one of Hong Kong’s deadliest fires since the notorious Shek Kip Mei fire of 1953, which left 53,000 people homeless and reshaped the city’s public housing system. It also recalls the 2011 Fa Yuen Street fire, which killed nine people and raised major questions about fire safety and illegal structure modifications.
However, the current incident is unprecedented in terms of fatalities within a single residential complex.
A Troubled Building: History of Complaints
Residents had previously filed multiple complaints about:
- blocked fire exits,
- exposed wiring,
- unapproved construction work,
- lack of proper emergency lighting.
Some tenants reported smelling strange chemical odours in the weeks leading up to the fire, suggesting ongoing renovation activity.
Despite the complaints, no enforcement action was taken, raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
Government Promises Accountability and Support
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee called the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable”, promising a full public investigation and immediate support for displaced families.
Emergency shelters have been opened across the district, while hospitals have prepared additional burn units to manage casualties.
A City in Mourning
The disaster has sparked outrage across Hong Kong, with lawmakers and safety experts calling for:
- stricter building code enforcement,
- higher penalties for illegal construction work,
- mandatory inspections for aging residential blocks.
Flags are expected to fly at half-mast as the city braces for potential mass casualties once the full search-and-rescue effort concludes.
