Eight more arrested over deadly Hong Kong blaze as toll rises to 128

Death Toll and Missing Persons

The death toll from the devastating fire at a Hong Kong apartment complex has risen to 128, with approximately 200 people still missing, officials confirmed on Friday. Search teams continue to recover bodies from the charred remains of several high-rise buildings, and authorities warn that more fatalities may be discovered as the investigation proceeds.

Arrests and Suspects

Eight more individuals have been arrested in connection with the blaze, bringing the total number of arrests to 11. The suspects, aged between 40 and 63, include scaffolding subcontractors, directors of an engineering consultant company, and project managers overseeing the renovation of the affected towers. Three men, including two directors and a consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, were arrested earlier on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence.

Investigation Findings

Authorities suspect that non-compliant materials, such as flammable plastic foam panels attached to the windows, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Preliminary investigations indicate the blaze started on lower-level scaffolding and quickly engulfed the buildings due to the highly combustible materials used in the renovation. Fire alarms in the complex reportedly did not sound for some residents, raising concerns about safety standards.

Rescue and Aftermath

More than 2,300 firefighters and medical personnel participated in the rescue operation, which took over 24 hours to bring the fire under control. Twelve firefighters were injured, and one firefighter lost their life. The government has announced three days of mourning for the victims, and inspections have been launched at 11 other residential projects linked to the same construction company.

Quotes from Officials

"The blaze ignited the foam panels, causing the glass to shatter and leading to a swift intensification of the fire and its spread into the interior spaces," said Chris Tang, Hong Kong's secretary for security.

"Hope of finding survivors has dwindled, with many residents of the densely packed Wang Fuk Court apartment towers still unaccounted for," officials reported.

Author's Summary

The Hong Kong fire is now the deadliest in decades, with 128 confirmed deaths and widespread arrests tied to renovation safety failures, prompting city-wide mourning and urgent inspections of similar buildings.

CNN — 2025-11-28