Hong Kong Tower Fire Toll Reaches 128 as Rescues End, Arrests Mount and China Orders Safety Checks

Overview

• Authorities report 79 injured and roughly 200 unaccounted for, and police will begin detailed forensic work once buildings cool sufficiently.
• Preliminary findings point to ignition in renovation netting on lower floors and rapid spread via bamboo scaffolding and combustible foam panels, while fire alarms failed to operate correctly.
• At least 11 people linked to the renovation have been detained by police and the ICAC, including company directors, consultants and scaffolding subcontractors, on suspicions from culpable homicide to corruption.
• The Hong Kong government ordered emergency inspections of sites under renovation, set up a HK$300 million assistance fund for victims, limited election-related public activities and initiated a review of bamboo scaffolding.
• Beijing’s State Council launched a nationwide fire-safety inspection drive prioritizing high‑rise renovations and key protection systems such as alarms, hydrants and smoke control.