Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades: What Went Wrong

A catastrophic fire swept through a Hong Kong high-rise residential complex, killing more than 120 people and marking the city’s deadliest blaze in decades.

The inferno began on bamboo scaffolding wrapped in construction netting and rapidly spread across seven towers undergoing repairs, trapping residents and overwhelming malfunctioning alarm systems.

Firefighters battled the flames for over 40 hours, with one losing his life in the rescue effort. Nearly 200 people are missing, dozens remain injured, and thousands have been displaced.

Authorities have launched multiple investigations, arresting contractors and probing the use of flammable foam materials.

The government has released emergency funds and opened shelters as the city demands accountability and urgent reforms to prevent another urban tragedy.