The death toll from the devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong has risen to 128, making it one of the deadliest fire disasters in the city’s history. Rescue teams continue to comb through the scorched towers as over 200 people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the final count could rise further.
More Bodies Found as Search Intensifies
Firefighters discovered dozens more bodies during an apartment-to-apartment search of the seven burnt buildings. Many of the victims were elderly residents who lived in the large residential complex in Tai Po district, which housed nearly 2,000 apartments and 4,800 residents.
It took emergency teams almost 40 hours to fully extinguish the blaze, and even days later smoke continued to rise from the charred structures due to flare-ups.
8 Additional Arrests Linked to Renovation Work
Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has arrested eight more individuals — including scaffolding subcontractors, engineering company directors and project managers involved in the renovation of the towers. Authorities allege that flammable construction materials and unsafe scaffolding contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
These arrests follow an earlier sweep that resulted in three construction company leaders being detained on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigators are reviewing seized documents and bank records to determine whether corruption or criminal negligence played a role.
Faulty Fire Alarms and Hazardous Materials Under Scrutiny
Fire authorities have confirmed that some fire alarms inside the complex did not activate during the emergency. Investigators believe that highly flammable plastic foam panels installed around windows helped the fire jump from one building to another at an alarming speed.
Security Secretary Chris Tang said materials used in the renovation may not have met fire-resistance standards — prompting the government to launch immediate inspections across all housing projects currently under renovation.
City in Mourning as Families Search for Loved Ones
More than 2,300 firefighters and medical personnel joined the rescue operation, during which one firefighter died and 12 others were injured.
The Hong Kong government has ordered all flags to fly at half-mast from Saturday to Monday, with Chief Executive John Lee scheduled to lead a city-wide three-minute silence.
Survivor testimonies are highlighting the emotional toll on residents. “That’s my home… I still can’t believe what happened,” said 70-year-old Katy Lo, who returned to find her apartment destroyed.
Among the victims are two Indonesian migrant workers, while 11 others from the country remain missing.
The tragedy has reignited debate over building safety practices, construction accountability and regulatory oversight in Hong Kong’s high-density residential landscape.
