Authorities have arrested eight more people as they continue to investigate the massive fire in Hong Kong that destroyed several high-rise buildings and killed at least 128 residents. The fire in Hong Kong has now become one of the city’s deadliest disasters in decades, leaving hundreds missing and thousands displaced. Officials say rescue work has ended, but evidence collection and safety inspections are still underway. The fire in Hong Kong has raised new questions about construction practices, renovation oversight and the use of unsafe materials across the city.
Death Toll Rises as Firefighters Search Through Ruins
Fire crews found dozens of additional victims as they moved from apartment to apartment inside the burned towers in Tai Po district. Many older residents lived in the complex, making escape difficult once the flames spread. More than 2,300 firefighters and medical staff took part in the operation. One firefighter died, and at least 79 people including 12 firefighters were injured.
Thick smoke continued to rise even two days after the fire, and investigators said around 200 people remain unaccounted for. Authorities warn the number of deaths may still increase as they identify bodies and check every corner of the damaged buildings.
Why the Fire Spread So Fast
Preliminary findings show that the blaze started on lower-level scaffolding that was wrapped in bamboo, protective mesh and plastic foam panels. These foam materials, believed to have been installed during renovation, burned quickly and helped the flames move from one tower to the next.
Officials confirmed that fire alarms in several buildings did not work properly. Some residents reported they never heard alarms at all, which has increased anger and calls for accountability.
Who Has Been Arrested
The new arrests include scaffolding subcontractors, engineering consultants and project managers tied to the renovation work. Earlier, three directors from the construction company involved in the project were detained on suspicion of manslaughter.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency also launched a task force to investigate whether illegal practices or unsafe shortcuts contributed to the disaster. Authorities seized documents and bank records from the companies responsible for the renovation.
Residents Mourn Losses and Demand Answers
Many survivors, including older residents who lived in the complex since the 1980s, returned to the site to register for assistance and search for missing loved ones. Some said their homes and memories were destroyed within hours. Domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines were also among the dead and missing.
Volunteers have set up support stations near the site, offering clothes, food and help with registration. Community groups are calling for a full independent investigation into regulatory failures and construction oversight.
Government Response and Next Steps
Officials say all public flags will fly at half-mast for three days. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, announced a HK300 million support fund for affected families. Meanwhile, engineers will inspect other residential estates undergoing renovations to prevent a repeat of the disaster.
The fire in Hong Kong has also renewed fears about the safety of older high-rises and the materials used during construction upgrades. Many residents believe stronger building controls and stricter monitoring are urgently needed to protect the public.
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