The blaze is believed to have started on the exterior of one of the blocks, where bamboo scaffolding had been installed for renovation works. The flames spread rapidly to the remaining buildings — seven of the eight towers were affected — fuelled by the close proximity of the structures and the highly flammable temporary scaffolding.
The complex houses approximately 4,800 residents across 2,000 flats. Hundreds of firefighters were deployed in an operation that lasted several hours and faced significant challenges due to the height of the buildings, partial collapse of the scaffolding and heavy smoke that hampered access to the upper floors.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities — including one firefighter — health authorities reported 29 people hospitalised, seven of them in critical condition. Around 900 residents were evacuated from the area and directed to temporary shelters.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the opening of an investigation to determine responsibility and to assess whether fire safety regulations were followed, particularly regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding, which the government had been considering phasing out for several years.
The incident has reignited debate over the safety of older buildings and the need to strengthen regulations for construction and renovation works in densely populated areas. Local authorities warn that the number of victims may rise in the coming hours as rescue teams gain access to the worst-affected zones.
