Category: News

Hong Kong has canceled the highly anticipated Oxfam Trailwalker endurance race, scheduled for the weekend of November 28–30, and is reconsidering other competitive events, following a devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po that killed at least 44 people and injured 62. The decision, officially announced by organizer Oxfam, allows critical government and emergency resources to focus entirely on rescue and recovery efforts, underscoring a commitment to public safety and community solidarity during a profound tragedy that has gripped the city.

The cancellation of the three-day Oxfam Trailwalker 2025, a significant fixture on the local sporting calendar, was made preemptively. Oxfam issued a social media statement expressing profound condolences to the families affected and stressed that its priority was supporting the immediate emergency response. Furthermore, Oxfam confirmed that all public donations raised for the event, alongside designated physical supplies, will be immediately redirected to assist residents displaced and affected by the massive blaze. The organization activated its own emergency support mechanism to facilitate this relief.

Resource Allocation Prioritizes Recovery Efforts

The decision reflects a unified community response, ensuring frontline relief services and essential departments are not strained by managing large-scale public events simultaneously. Oxfam explicitly thanked the public for their understanding and urged participants, volunteers, and partners to unite in support of the victims. Further logistical details and follow-up arrangements for the canceled Trailwalker will be communicated soon.

The deadly fire’s proximity and scale also cast a shadow over other major weekend sporting events. Attention has turned to the Pocari Sweat Run Fest 2025, which was set to feature races, workshops, and performances at the Hong Kong Science Park on Sunday, November 30. The event included 3km, 5km, and 10km individual races, as well as a 3km obstacle course starting within the Science Park complex.

Community Calls for Postponement of Science Park Race

Concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of proceeding with the Run Fest, particularly as the 10-kilometer route’s turning point is situated close to the Wang Fuk Court disaster site. Many runners and community members have taken to social media, pressing organizers to postpone or cancel the event out of respect for the victims and to avoid placing further stress on local infrastructure and first responders. An official update regarding the status of the Pocari Sweat Run Fest is anticipated shortly.

The immediate cancellation of major public sports events highlights the severity of the Tai Po fire and the necessity of allocating all available resources toward recovery and supporting the impacted community, demonstrating a coordinated philanthropic and governmental response to the disaster. These actions signal that mourning and recovery take precedence over recreation during this difficult period for Hong Kong.

A woman using a wheelchair was rushed to the hospital after falling from the platform onto the railway tracks at the MTR Siu Hong Light Rail Station on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 10:37 a.m. on the outbound line designated for travel toward Yuen Long. Initial reports indicated the middle-aged woman was breathing but either unresponsive or semi-conscious at the scene, prompting an immediate emergency response and subsequent investigation into the cause of the fall.

Emergency services, including paramedics, quickly arrived at the station following the report of a person on the tracks. Medics conducted preliminary medical assessments at the platform level before immediately transporting the injured woman to Tuen Mun Hospital to receive comprehensive medical treatment. Authorities have commenced an enquiry to determine the precise circumstances that led to the woman falling from the platform edge onto the line.

Safety Concerns and Accessibility

This accident highlights persistent concerns regarding platform safety, especially for passengers requiring mobility assistance. Light Rail platforms, which often lack the full-height protective screens found in heavy rail MTR stations, inherently present greater risks of accidental falls. While the MTR Corporation invests continually in accessibility features, including ramps and designated waiting areas for wheelchair users, incidents like this underscore the crucial need for vigilance and potentially enhanced preventative measures.

For passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, navigating busy public transit environments requires concentration and awareness of platform edges.

Actionable Safety Tips for Mobility Device Users:

• Maintain Distance: Always keep wheeled devices (wheelchairs, strollers, scooters) well behind the yellow tactile warning line on the platform.
• Utilize Staff Assistance: If uncertain or needing help, signal a station attendant or staff member before approaching the track edge.
• Secure Braking: Ensure wheelchair brakes are firmly engaged while waiting for a train.
• Awareness of Gaps: Be mindful of the gap between the train car and the platform edge during boarding and disembarking.

The investigation will likely review CCTV footage and interview witnesses to understand if external factors, equipment malfunction, or a medical event contributed to the fall. The outcome of the investigation may lead to specific recommendations for enhancing platform safety protocols on the Light Rail network, ensuring better protection for vulnerable passengers. Rail authorities regularly review international best practices to implement technology and design solutions aimed at minimizing these types of dangerous incidents across the public transport system.

Hong Kong’s morning commute was marked by twin fire incidents on November 27, 2025, with separate emergencies reported in Tsuen Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui, resulting in two injuries due to smoke inhalation. Shortly after 8:20 a.m., firefighters and emergency medical services were deployed across the city to manage a residential blaze in Tsuen Wan and a commercial fire in Kowloon, underscoring the rapid risk preparedness required in densely populated urban centers.

Residential Firefighters Rescue Two in Tsuen Wan

The initial incident occurred at approximately 8:22 a.m. at Tsuen Lok Building on Tsuen Lok Street in Tsuen Wan. A fire erupted within a flat, specifically igniting a bedroom. Reports indicated that occupants attempted to douse the flames before professional help arrived.

Responding quickly to multiple emergency calls, fire crews successfully contained the blaze. Their swift action was credited with preventing further structural damage and facilitating a critical rescue operation. Firefighters extracted a man and a woman from the affected unit. Both individuals were subsequently treated for the effects of smoke inhalation, though their conditions were not immediately life-threatening. Images from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the affected residential unit, prompting firefighters to utilize an aerial ladder to gain full control and assess interior conditions.

Supermarket Fire Blankets Tsim Sha Tsui in Smoke

Just 17 minutes later, at about 8:39 a.m., emergency services received reports of a second, distinct fire in the busy retail district of Tsim Sha Tsui. The blaze originated at the Big C Thai supermarket located on Lock Road.

The fire appeared to have started among merchandise within the store, generating a significant volume of heavy black smoke that quickly enveloped the street level of the commercial area. Online footage captured the plume of dense smoke rising visibly above the establishment. Firefighters rapidly engaged the scene and extinguished the flames within the supermarket. Crucially, no injuries were reported in connection with the Tsim Sha Tsui incident, a testament to effective commercial evacuation procedures.

Fire Safety Reminder for Urban Residents

The proximity and timing of the two unrelated fires emphasize the importance of constant vigilance regarding fire safety, particularly in Hong Kong’s high-density environment.

Authorities routinely stress several actionable steps for residents and businesses to mitigate fire risks and ensure preparedness:

• Install and maintain smoke detectors: Functioning smoke alarms provide vital early warnings, especially during sleeping hours.
• Establish clear escape routes: All occupants should know two ways out of a residence or commercial space.
• Know when to call for help: While initial attempts to extinguish small, contained fires are common, it is paramount to call 999 immediately if a fire grows or produces significant smoke.
• Proper appliance management: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and regularly inspect wires.

While both fires remain under investigation to determine their exact causes, the successful response by Hong Kong’s emergency services highlights the city’s robust infrastructure for coping with simultaneous crises. The prompt action in Tsuen Wan undoubtedly saved lives, while quick containment in Tsim Sha Tsui prevented wider commercial damage. Authorities urge the public to review their current fire safety protocols.

A destructive five-alarm fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday has caused significant operational disruption, compelling the Education Bureau (EDB) to announce the closure of at least 13 local schools for the subsequent day, Thursday. The extensive blaze at Wang Fuk Court and the resulting traffic gridlock were cited as the primary reasons for the mandatory class suspensions. The EDB has advised parents and stakeholders to closely track official announcements as the situation unfolds, emphasizing the safety and welfare of students and staff.

Schools Affected by Tai Po Blaze and Closures

The EDB confirmed that the closures apply to a diverse range of primary, secondary, and international institutions located near the affected area.

The institutions mandated to close on Thursday include:

• CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School
• Tai Po Baptist Public School
• SKH Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School
• Ling Liang Church M H Lau Secondary School
• The Women’s Welfare Club (Kowloon) Mrs Fung Yiu Hing Secondary School
• Po Leung Kuk Tin Ka Ping Millennium Primary School
• Delia Primary School
• Delia Memorial School (Broadway)
• Norwegian International School (Kindergarten Section)
• Annunciation Catholic School
• Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School
• Po Leung Kuk Lau Tsun Kindergarten
• Anfield International Kindergarten

Beyond these required closures, the EDB clarified that other educational institutions maintain the discretion to suspend classes based on their unique operational circumstances. Any such individual school closures must adhere to established governance procedures, requiring consultation with the respective incorporated management committees or school boards and subsequent notification to the EDB’s relevant School Development Sections. Transparency and timely communication with students, parents, and community stakeholders remain paramount during this period of uncertainty.

Prioritizing Student Welfare and Registration Logistics

In response to the emergency, an EDB spokesman detailed immediate outreach efforts, confirming that officials swiftly contacted the Tai Po Heads Association and schools located near the incident site. Crucially, the EDB mobilized resources to support those affected. Educational psychologists and personnel from the Tai Po School Development Section were deployed to temporary evacuation shelters, notably at Fu Shin Community Hall, to provide emotional assistance to displaced students and families.

The disruption coincides with a critical administrative date: Primary One Discretionary Places registration day. Recognizing the logistical challenges facing parents, the Bureau has instructed affected schools to proactively contact families to reschedule or make alternative accommodations for completing the necessary registration procedures for their children.

Further underscoring a commitment to mental well-being, the EDB strongly urged schools and teaching staff within the district to remain vigilant regarding students’ emotional health. Educators are encouraged to offer proactive support to those impacted by the traumatic event. The Bureau confirmed that educational psychologists and the Tai Po School Development staff will maintain close coordination with local schools to ensure continuous access to guidance and counseling services in the coming days. Parents are advised to regularly monitor school and EDB broadcasts for the most current information regarding operational status and support services.

Two U.S. National Guard members were severely wounded in a targeted shooting mere blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday afternoon, prompting immediate federal response and the apprehension of a suspect. The incident, occurring around 2:15 p.m. local time, has generated conflicting reports regarding the condition of the guardsmen, though officials confirm both victims remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at separate hospitals, according to statements from President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel. Authorities, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, swiftly classified the event as a targeted attack.

Details Emerge on Critical Incident

The rapid-fire incident unfolded within a busy government corridor, several blocks from the Executive Mansion. Initial confusion followed the shooting, particularly concerning the status of the two guardsmen, members of the West Virginia National Guard. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the individuals had succumbed to their injuries, only to issue a correction soon after, noting he had received conflicting information.

FBI Director Kash Patel later clarified for reporters that both guardsmen were, in fact, listed in critical condition. President Trump confirmed this assessment via a social media post, adding that the alleged gunman was also seriously injured and had been taken into custody.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the press, emphasizing the precise nature of the violence. “The soldiers were the victims of a targeted shooting,” Bowser stated, though she did not immediately elaborate on the motive or the relationship, if any, between the victims and the alleged shooter.

Federal Response and Increased Security

The immediate aftermath triggered a significant increase in security personnel around the nation’s capital. In response to the attack, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that President Trump authorized the immediate deployment of an additional 500 National Guard personnel to Washington. This immediate reinforcement aims to heighten vigilance and contribute to ongoing security efforts in the central district.

This event underscores the persistent security challenges facing federal and military personnel stationed in the capital. The deployment serves as a visible assurance of stability and protection following a direct attack on uniformed service members.

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the targeted shooting. The quick response from local and federal agencies, including the apprehension of the suspect, highlights the coordinated efforts necessary to manage security threats in such a high-profile location. Further updates are expected as investigators piece together the timeline and circumstances leading up to the attack.

Kyiv, Ukraine – November 27, 2025. Ukrainian officials confirmed this week that amending the nation’s Constitution remains a firm “red line” and will not be considered under any future peace settlement aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. This uncompromising stance, relayed by a member of Kyiv’s negotiating delegation involved in complex discussions with the United States, Russia, and other international partners, underscores Ukraine’s commitment to maintaining its territorial sovereignty amidst evolving diplomatic proposals.

Setting the Ukrainian Negotiation Boundaries

Oleksandr Bevz, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, confirmed that Ukraine refuses to implement constitutional alterations or accept any form of recognition that undermines national independence. Speaking on the country’s non-negotiable positions, Bevz clearly stated, “We have stated that Ukraine will not accept any form of recognition and Ukraine will not make any changes to the Constitution — these are red lines,” according to reports from Interfax-Ukraine.

This announcement provides critical clarity regarding Ukraine’s objectives as international efforts seek a lasting resolution. The steadfast rejection of constitutional changes signals that Kyiv is unwilling to alter its fundamental structure to accommodate external demands, particularly those that might formalize territorial losses or diminish central authority.

Furthermore, Bevz outlined Kyiv’s principles for addressing complex territorial questions. He indicated that negotiations must be anchored by the current contact lines as a starting point. Crucially, he emphasized that these sensitive territorial matters must be reserved for resolution at the highest level, involving national leaders directly.

Progress on the US Peace Framework

While setting strict limits on domestic structural changes, Ukraine’s diplomatic teams have indicated measurable progress on international peace initiatives.

Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office, noted that Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators have established an agreement in principle on the majority of aspects within Washington’s latest proposed peace framework. This framework, which began as an extensive 28-point outline, has undergone substantial revisions to better align with current realities and Kyiv’s strategic demands.

President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this sentiment earlier in the week, suggesting that the newly updated plan holds significant potential for developing into “deeper agreements,” indicating a cooperative working relationship with international mediators even as core sovereignty issues remain non-negotiable.

Implications for Diplomatic Efforts

The formal declaration that constitutional amendments are off-limits streamlines the negotiation process by removing a potentially contentious structural component that opponents might have leveraged to gain concessions. For observers, this signals that Kyiv is prioritizing political and territorial integrity above quick-fix diplomatic solutions.

The commitment to negotiating based on current contact lines reflects an effort to manage expectations regarding a possible immediate return to internationally recognized 1991 borders via peaceful agreement, while maintaining the long-term goal of total territorial restoration. Moving forward, diplomatic focus will now center on security guarantees, withdrawal mechanisms, and economic reconstruction models that do not require internal political upheaval within Ukraine.

Hong Kong authorities have launched a formal investigation into the potentially criminal use of highly combustible foam insulation material discovered at a renovated public housing estate following a devastating fire that claimed dozens of lives. The Fire Services Department (FSD) confirmed Thursday that the material—polystyrene foam board—was used to temporarily seal ventilation windows during ongoing exterior renovation at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an application officials deemed “unusual.” This revelation comes as police aggressively pursue a manslaughter inquiry, focusing on the construction contractors and technical consultants responsible for the site.

The calamitous No. 5 alarm fire, which swept through the residential complex Wednesday afternoon, resulted in at least 44 fatalities and injured 45 individuals, according to early Thursday morning reports. The tragedy underscores severe concerns regarding fire safety protocols and the enforcement of compliant construction practices during large-scale refurbishment projects across the territory.

Criminal Charges and Ongoing Searches

The Hong Kong Police Force’s serious crime unit has moved swiftly, arresting three men on suspicion of manslaughter, alleging “gross negligence” contributed to the massive death toll. Those detained include two directors of the implicated firm, Wang Yip Construction Works Limited, and an engineering consultant involved in the project oversight.

On Thursday morning, police executed a search warrant at the construction company’s San Po Kong office, seizing a substantial volume of documents. Reporters observed officers restricting access while multiple boxes of evidentiary files were prepared for removal, indicating an intensive effort to establish culpability.

Contract Documents Detail Foam Use

FSD Director Andy Yeung stated the fire investigation would be referred to the police, citing a compelling interest in the non-compliant material discovered. Evidence found on the contractor’s premises, documents bearing the Wang Yip letterhead, detailed procedures for “external wall chiselling works.” These internal circulars, issued around October of the previous year, specifically instructed workers to use Foam Board (polystyrene foam panels) as a protective material for windows.

The documented method involved applying adhesive tape, followed by silicone sealant over the tape, and finally securing the foam board onto the window pane. Furthermore, the instructions called for a double layer of protection, specifying the addition of plywood or hollow boards outside the windows during chiseling activities. Although the notices claimed the protective coverings would be removed immediately upon the completion of façade works, the extensive use of common polystyrene—a material known to release toxic smoke and accelerate fire spread—has become a central focus.

According to the Wang Fuk Court Owners’ Corporation, as of November 10, all eight complex blocks were undergoing significant exterior works, including interior painting, plaster spraying, and paper terrazzo installation, suggesting the problematic protection materials may have been widespread.

Implications for Public Safety

The ultimate cause of ignition remains under investigation, but the rapid spread of the fire and the high casualty count raise urgent questions about the systemic oversight of temporary building materials utilized during renovations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when builders prioritize temporary convenience over stringent fire safety requirements, particularly in densely populated public housing estates.

Moving forward, the investigation will not only seek to prosecute those responsible for the negligence but also likely trigger a broader review of mandated fire safety standards for external wall systems and temporary protective coverings used across all Hong Kong construction sites. Regulators are anticipated to stress the immediate need for stringent checks to ensure compliance and prevent future tragedies spurred by unauthorized, highly flammable materials.

HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong have detained three construction executives on suspicion of manslaughter following a catastrophic blaze that engulfed residential towers in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, claiming at least 44 lives and injuring dozens. The inferno, which began late Wednesday afternoon and raged well into Thursday morning, prompted a massive emergency response and has thrust building safety regulations, particularly regarding exterior materials and temporary scaffolding, under intense scrutiny.

The tragedy unfolded around 2:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday. As of early Thursday, 44 fatalities have been confirmed, with an additional 45 individuals hospitalized, some in critical condition. Furthermore, emergency services deployed over 1,200 personnel and are continuing the search for an estimated 279 people initially reported missing from the densely populated complex.

Investigation Focuses on Material Non-Compliance

Senior Police Superintendent Eileen Chung Lai-yee told reporters that initial investigations strongly suggest that rapid fire propagation was facilitated by materials used on the buildings’ exteriors that allegedly failed to meet mandated fire safety standards. Specific concerns center on flammable foam boards reportedly installed outside elevator lobby windows on every floor of one affected high-rise.

“We believe there was gross negligence by those responsible for the construction, which led to the rapid spread of the fire and these severe casualties,” Superintendent Chung stated.

The three individuals arrested and now held in custody include two directors from a construction company and a consultant linked to the project. Police confirmed that forensic examinations and witness interviews are ongoing as they work to determine the exact cause of ignition.

Challenges Hinder Firefighting Efforts

The residential towers, part of a sprawling estate built in the early 1980s, offered significant challenges to responders. At the time of the fire, several blocks were encased in bamboo scaffolding, which officials noted acted as a conduit for the flames and smoke, rapidly spreading the fire vertically and horizontally.

Derek Armstrong Chan, a deputy director at the Fire Services Department, reported that access was severely hampered by falling debris and the large-scale collapse of scaffolding. The extreme heat further complicated the efforts of firefighters, whose ladder trucks struggled to reach the upper storeys of the 32-floor structures. Official records show that 40 casualties died at the scene, with four others succumbing to their injuries later in the hospital.

The incident occurred during a period when the Hong Kong Observatory had issued warnings regarding an “extreme” fire risk, attributed to prolonged dry conditions across the territory.

Immediate Action and Government Review

In the immediate aftermath, authorities established temporary shelters in nearby community centers and schools to house hundreds of evacuees. Police assisted elderly residents and conducted thorough door-to-door evacuations throughout the night.

The comprehensive investigation promised by Chief Executive John Lee will prioritize the regulatory compliance of exterior walls, protective netting, sheeting, and the temporary scaffolding arrangements. The government had previously initiated a phased transition away from traditional bamboo scaffolding to steel alternatives precisely due to safety concerns highlighted by past fires spreading via bamboo-clad facades.

This catastrophe underscores the critical need for strict oversight of building materials and construction practices in dense urban environments. The findings from this inquiry are expected to prompt widespread revisions to Hong Kong’s fire safety codes, particularly concerning facade refurbishment and the use of external wall insulation systems, ensuring greater protection for residents across the city’s high-rise estates.

Hong Kong, November 27, 2025 – Following the devastating five-alarm Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, residents mobilized overnight Wednesday into Thursday, demonstrating an immediate and massive community response to support hundreds of evacuees. As emergency crews battled the blaze, local citizens rapidly established ad-hoc collection points, funneling essential supplies—including bottled water, non-perishable food, and clothing—to overwhelmed community halls and temporary shelters across the district. This spontaneous outpouring of aid occurred simultaneously with rising fatalities from the tragic high-rise inferno.

Rapid Relief Efforts Showcase Hong Kong Spirit

The scale of community generosity quickly surpassed centralized capacity. At multiple staging areas, including a major logistical hub near Kwong On Building, volunteers formed organized human chains to efficiently unload supplies from continuously arriving private vehicles. Online platforms buzzed with praise for this swift solidarity, with social media users widely characterizing the response as the enduring embodiment of “the Hong Kong spirit.”

Video documentation circulated Wednesday evening showed a constant stream of vehicles delivering aid along Wan Tau Street, where items were rapidly transferred by hand. By shortly after midnight Thursday, the main collection point at 20–26 Kwong On Building was declared “packed to capacity,” prompting volunteers and police to issue urgent appeals requesting the public to redirect donations elsewhere. Authorities also advised against drop-offs near the fire perimeter due to severe congestion and ongoing safety concerns, leading many donors to reroute supplies directly to shelters using personal transport, including bicycles.

Death Toll Climbs Amid Ongoing Devastation

The human cost of the disaster escalated through Thursday morning. The confirmed number of fatalities reached 44, with 40 victims pronounced dead at the scene. As the area remained cordoned off, black vans were observed arriving at Wang Fuk Court, signifying the somber process of transferring the deceased. The intense grief was palpable: in one harrowing scene, a middle-aged woman, after formally identifying a relative, publicly mourned the loss of her daughter before being comforted and led away by family members.

Accounts of Survival Offer Glimmer of Hope

Amid the devastation, stories of survival provided a crucial counter-narrative. One resident recounted the tense moments spent coaching his wife, who was trapped in their 23rd-floor apartment in Wang Cheong House. Maintaining an open phone line, he provided life-saving instructions: covering her face with a wet towel and staying low, away from visible flames and windows. His guidance sustained her until firefighters successfully reached and rescued her. She was subsequently transported to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po for emergency treatment. By daybreak, this resident noted that while Wang Cheong House appeared to still be affected, the fires in neighboring blocks were largely extinguished, suggesting differential outcomes across the affected buildings.

The immediate next steps involve coordinated efforts between government social services and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to transition collected supplies into sustained support for displaced families, while investigation teams begin the complex task of determining the cause of the fatal blaze. The resilience observed in the initial community response will be crucial in supporting the long-term recovery of the Tai Po district.

The tragic five-alarm blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, which claimed at least 44 lives by Thursday morning, has transitioned from a crisis response to a complex criminal investigation focusing on construction negligence. As emergency services continue intensive search and rescue operations, police announced the arrest of three construction firm principals—two directors and an engineering consultant aged between 52 and 68—on suspicion of manslaughter. Simultaneously, overwhelmed local residents mobilized to ferry vital supplies to the hundreds displaced, even as collection points reached saturation.

The fire, which erupted Wednesday night, necessitated the deployment of 888 firefighters, who battled the intense flames across seven of the estate’s eight residential towers. The official death toll stood at a minimum of 44 by Thursday morning, comprising 40 fatalities certified at the scene and four deaths confirmed at the hospital. Further, hospitals across the territory admitted 62 victims, reporting 17 in critical condition and 24 in serious condition.

Investigation Focuses on Flammable Materials

Preliminary observations by the Fire Services Department and the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit indicate systemic failures in fire safety standards relating to protective materials used during ongoing building works. Investigators noted that external materials, including protective netting, waterproof sheeting, and plastic tarpaulins, appeared to burn unusually aggressively, potentially failing to meet mandatory flame-retardant requirements.

Furthermore, officers discovered an additional vulnerability: an unaffected block utilized highly combustible polystyrene boards to seal elevator lobby windows on every floor, a material that could significantly accelerate fire spread. Police suspect a contracting firm installed these materials, suggesting serious negligence contributed to the rapid escalation and heavy casualties.

The registered contractor, Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., Limited, was engaged by the estate’s owners’ corporation. The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU), responsible for overseeing such works under the Buildings Ordinance, will launch its own investigation into procedural breaches. The Buildings Department reiterated that contractors must use flame-retardant materials for scaffolding and protective sheeting, referencing circulars issued last month reinforcing these requirements.

Rescue Efforts and Community Response

Fire services personnel advanced floor-by-floor in the affected towers, pushing operations up to the 18th floor in some sections, with rescue teams reaching between the 13th and 23rd floors. The immense operation resulted in injuries to seven firefighters, and tragically, one firefighter died while in the line of duty. Fire Services officials projected that active rescue operations would continue until at least dusk.

As rescue efforts unfolded, the local community rallied to support the displaced residents. Volunteers collected and distributed bottled water, non-perishable food, and clothing near Wan Tau Street, though the sheer volume of donations soon forced some temporary relief centers to pause intake.

The Home Affairs Department has opened eight temporary shelters and deployed multisectoral Care Teams to assist the affected families with immediate needs, including providing temporary accommodation.

Next Steps in the Inquiry

Once the ongoing rescue work is concluded, a comprehensive joint inquiry will commence, involving the Fire Services Department, the Government Laboratory, the Forensic Pathology Service, and other relevant departments. Police face the grim task of handling victim remains and are working with forensic pathologists to expedite identification and liaise with grieving families.

Authorities urge members of the public with any information related to the incident to contact the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit via its 24-hour hotline at 5566 0087. The arrests of the construction executives underscore the authorities’ commitment to holding those responsible accountable for the devastating loss of life.