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At least 83 people have been confirmed dead after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades tore through a residential complex, with dozens of residents still unaccounted for as emergency teams continued search operations on Friday.
Fire crews were still battling pockets of flames more than a day after the blaze first erupted, as water hoses drenched the scorched outer walls of several high-rise blocks. The inferno tore through eight residential towers containing nearly 2,000 flats, leaving four buildings fully extinguished by Thursday afternoon, three under control, and one unaffected.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, which is being described as the territory’s worst in almost 80 years. Officials are examining whether renovation materials, including bamboo scaffolding and heavy plastic sheeting wrapped around the buildings, accelerated the spread of the flames.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has opened an inquiry into the renovation project just hours after police confirmed the arrest of three men suspected of carelessly leaving foam packaging at the site, potentially contributing to the outbreak.
“The fire moved incredibly fast,” said a man identified only as Mr Suen. “One hose was trying to save several blocks. It felt hopelessly slow. We were knocking on doors and ringing bells to tell people to get out.”
Of those who have died so far, authorities confirmed one was a firefighter aged 37, while two were Indonesian domestic workers. It is the city’s most deadly fire since 1948, when a major blaze claimed 135 lives.
Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, said earlier that 279 people were missing, although officials later indicated some had been contacted. No updated figure has yet been released, fuelling fears that the casualty count could still rise.
Relatives were shown photographs and personal belongings at a community centre where police worked to identify victims. A woman surnamed Cheung, who was searching for missing family members, described seeing images of victims that included children.
“I can’t even find the words,” she said. “It was unbearable to look at.”
Hospitals confirmed that dozens of victims were still being treated, with some in critical or serious condition. Others were listed as stable.
The Vatican said Pope Leo had sent a message offering condolences and prayers to victims and grieving families.
Hong Kong authorities announced immediate safety inspections across all housing estates undergoing major renovation. The city’s deputy leader Eric Chan said the disaster had highlighted the urgent need to replace bamboo scaffolding with safer metal alternatives, pledging closer cooperation with the construction industry.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent his condolences, while Beijing indicated it would assist with medical supplies and aerial equipment.
Nine emergency shelters have been opened and financial support is being arranged for residents who lost their homes. In response to the tragedy, activities linked to the city’s legislative elections scheduled for early December have been suspended.
Witnesses described horrifying scenes as parts of burning scaffolding collapsed from the buildings and flames erupted from windows into the night sky. Officials believe strong winds and falling debris caused the fire to spread rapidly between towers.
Some residents in nearby buildings were permitted to return home after the danger subsided, while volunteers gathered near the site to distribute food, clothing and information about missing persons.
“The way people have come together is incredible,” said Stone Ngai, one of the organisers of a volunteer station. “When one person suffers, everyone steps in. That’s the spirit of Hong Kong.”
