## Hong Kong Fire Update The death toll from the devastating fire in a Hong Kong high-rise residential complex has risen to 128. Officials continue investigations but have not yet identified the exact cause of the blaze, which occurred on Wednesday. Authorities revealed that the fire alarms in the building were not functioning correctly during the incident, potentially contributing to the high casualty rate. This malfunction has become a major point of concern in the ongoing inquiry into the disaster. ## Details of the Incident - The fire erupted in a tall residential building, spreading rapidly. - Rescue efforts faced significant challenges due to smoke and obstructed pathways. - Many residents were trapped inside the building before help arrived. - Officials are focusing on the fire safety systems, particularly alarm networks, which appeared to have failed. ## Official Statements > "We are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire," said a government spokesperson. > "Preliminary findings suggest that several fire alarms were not operating properly," officials confirmed. The investigation aims to clarify if faulty alarms and other safety system failures played a critical role in the event’s tragic impact. *** This tragic event highlights the dire consequences of fire safety system failures in densely populated high-rise buildings.

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BBC — 2025-11-29