Hong Kong Fire: Death Toll Surges To 55

A deadly fire at a public housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po has killed at least 55 people, with hundreds still unaccounted for. Four of the affected buildings have been secured, while firefighters continue battling flames in the remaining blocks. Hundreds of residents have been moved to temporary shelters, and emergency housing is being arranged for displaced families.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Police have arrested three people on manslaughter charges, two directors of a construction firm and an engineering consultant, after finding mesh and plastic sheeting on the buildings’ windows as part of ongoing renovation work. Officers said these materials may have fuelled the fast spread of the fire. The incident has been classified as a level-five alarm, the highest alert in the system.

A fire safety expert noted that bamboo scaffolding linking the towers likely intensified the blaze. Online frustration is also growing after residents reported they did not hear any fire alarms when the fire broke out. Fire crews continue to face extreme heat, cramped interiors, and the risk of collapsing scaffolding. Meanwhile, all campaigning for the 7 December Legislative Council election has been suspended as authorities focus on rescue and relief efforts.