Event Timeline
2:51 PM, November 26: Fire erupted on the external bamboo scaffolding of Hung Cheong House in Hung Fuk Court, quickly escalating to a five-alarm incident;Early morning, November 27: Police arrested three construction company executives on suspicion of manslaughter, with initial investigations pointing to illegal construction materials; Throughout November 27: Firefighters conducted simultaneous fire suppression and search-and-rescue operations, advancing to upper floors and rescuing multiple survivors; Early morning, November 28: Full fire extinguishment was completed, transitioning to comprehensive search-and-rescue efforts, which were expected to finish by 9 AM local time.
Development Details
The fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials including external protective nets, waterproof canvas, and foam insulation around elevator lobbies, causing three-dimensional combustion. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department deployed over 200 fire engines, 117 ambulances, and more than 1,200 rescuers. As of 6 AM on November 28, the disaster had claimed 94 lives (including one firefighter) and injured 76 people—among them 11 firefighters, some remaining in critical condition. Most victims were elderly residents who stayed at home, succumbing primarily to smoke inhalation or being unable to evacuate in time.
Current Status
As of 10 AM on November 28, full-scale search-and-rescue operations were drawing to a close, with no additional trapped individuals found. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has opened nine temporary shelters housing over 500 residents, while coordinating 1,000 hotel rooms and 1,800 public housing units to address accommodation needs. A HK$300 million (approximately US$38.3 million) relief fund has been established, providing an immediate HK$10,000 (US$1,280) emergency grant to each affected household, alongside one social worker per family support services. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the cancellation of all HKSAR Government-sponsored celebrations, with the government’s official website and senior officials’ social media accounts switching to black-and-white in mourning. Safety inspections have been launched at all Hong Kong public housing estates undergoing major renovations, and a roadmap to replace bamboo scaffolding with metal structures is being expedited.