What information we have regarding the fires in Hong Kong apartments

A catastrophic fire has surged through numerous high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of at least 44 individuals, marking it as the most lethal incident in over six decades. More than 270 individuals have been reported unaccounted for, with thousands of residents seeking refuge in evacuation centers.

Images depict several structures engulfed in flames, with dense smoke rising into the atmosphere, dominating the skyline of the Chinese territory.

As night approached, the blaze continued to rage hours after it was initially reported, with upwards of 760 firefighters assigned to manage the situation.

Three men have been detained on allegations of manslaughter related to the fire, local news sources indicate, and an investigation is underway.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed his condolences to those affected, including a “firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty”, according to state publications.

The reasons behind the blaze remain unknown, but here’s what we currently understand.

The fire ignited at Wang Fuk Court, a substantial housing development in Tai Po district of Hong Kong, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT).

Wang Fuk Court is comprised of eight towers, each boasting 31 floors. Seven of these have been impacted by the flames, as stated by Tai Po district councilor Mui Siu-fung to BBC Chinese.

According to the 2021 government census, they house 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents.

Constructed in 1983, the towers were undergoing restoration, with bamboo scaffolding and construction netting enveloping the buildings. Footage indicates the flames rapidly traversing the bamboo materials.

Residents reported to some local outlets that fire alarms failed to activate.

An initial inquiry revealed the swift proliferation of the fire was atypical, reported Hong Kong’s security secretary early Thursday morning. One contributing factor cited was the usage of polystyrene – known for its high flammability – around window areas.

Tai Po is a residential area situated in northern Hong Kong, adjacent to the city of Shenzhen in mainland China.

The Hong Kong fire service has rated the fire at a level five alarm – the highest category of severity.

It was classified as a level four within 40 minutes after being reported, but by 18:22, approximately three and a half hours later, it was escalated again.

It has been 17 years since Hong Kong last experienced a level five fire.

Reports from local sources indicated that explosions were audible inside the buildings, and access to the upper levels with fire hoses was challenging.

The extreme heat was obstructing firefighters from entering the structures to carry out rescue operations, stated deputy fire services director Derek Armstrong Chan to the press.

“Debris and scaffolding from the affected structure are collapsing, which poses additional risks to our front-line teams,” he mentioned.

He added that it was difficult to predict when the fire would be fully brought under control.

Alongside 767 firefighters, 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances, and around 400 police personnel were deployed.

The fatality count increased dramatically early Thursday morning, rising from 13 to 36 individuals.

Shortly after midnight, Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee confirmed that 279 individuals were unaccounted for.

Authorities later reported that the death toll had climbed again, reaching 40 just before 06:00 local time on Thursday. Additionally, 45 individuals were reported to be in critical condition in medical facilities.

Local media stated that police officers were assisting residents in searching for relatives using loudspeakers.

Among the deceased is firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who had served at Sha Tin Fire Station for nine years.

The fire service indicated they lost contact with him at 15:30, and approximately half an hour later discovered him collapsed. He was transported to a medical facility but pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of this dedicated and brave firefighter,” expressed Andy Yeung, director of the fire service.

At least one additional firefighter is hospitalized, as stated by the Hong Kong fire service.

Multiple emergency shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced by the fire, according to the government. The South China Morning Post reported that one shelter – located at Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre – reached capacity, with evacuees being redirected to alternative shelters.

Another facility, the Kwong Fuk Community Hall, situated just across from the housing estate, was assessed as unsafe. Evacuees were relocated to a different shelter located farther away.

BBC Chinese journalist Gemini Cheng witnessed elderly residents, some utilizing walking aids or wheelchairs, arriving at various shelters. Coaches are expected to transport them to community halls which will operate overnight for those affected by the fire.

At least 900 individuals are currently taking refuge in the temporary shelters, as reported by Agence France-Presse, citing Lee.

Six educational institutions in Tai Po will remain closed on Thursday, as announced by the Education Bureau, which has listed the affected schools on its website.

An emergency monitoring and response center is operational to address the effects of the fire, security secretary Tang Ping-keung stated in a press release.

The Hong Kong police have established a hotline for the public to inquire about casualties – the number is +852 1878 999.

Law enforcement apprehended three men, aged between 52 and 68, on suspicion of manslaughter related to the tragic fire.

Two of the suspects are executives of a construction company while the other is an engineering consultant.

Officials uncovered mesh and protective substances on the exterior of the buildings that do not seem to be fire-resistant. Styrofoam was also observed covering the windows of the structure.

A police representative stated that investigators are probing the alleged conduct, or lack thereof, of the company’s senior management.

“We have grounds to believe that the individuals in charge at the firm were grossly negligent, leading to this incident and causing the fire to extend uncontrollably, resulting in significant casualties.”

Nevertheless, the specific cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The towers at Wang Fuk Court are enveloped in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh, all the way to their rooftops, due to ongoing renovations.

This type of scaffolding has been utilized in Hong Kong for centuries, as bamboo grows rapidly, is lightweight, and exceptionally durable. Many regard it as an iconic feature of the urban scenery, yet Hong Kong is among the last cities globally to integrate it into contemporary construction.

In 1962, multiple structures erupted in flames, claiming 44 lives in the Sham Shui Po area, displacing hundreds within the city. About 50lbs of stored fireworks ignited, causing the fire to rapidly ascend to the higher levels, reported the South China Morning Post.

The most fatal fire in the city following World War II was a blaze in 1948 caused by an explosion on the ground floor of a five-storey warehouse crammed with “dangerous materials”, according to the Post, resulting in 176 fatalities.

Reports from local media indicated in March that the government’s development bureau aimed to gradually eliminate the use of bamboo due to safety issues. The push for metal substitutes emerged after a series of deaths linked to scaffolding incidents in Hong Kong.

Bamboo scaffolding has “inherent vulnerabilities such as variations in mechanical traits, degradation over time, and high combustibility, leading to safety apprehensions”, bureau spokesperson Terence Lam was quoted stating.

The specific reason for this fire remains uncertain; however, officials acknowledge that it seems to have spread swiftly – and to adjacent buildings – through the bamboo scaffolding.

Additional reporting by Jack Lau, BBC Global China Unit and Gemini Cheng, BBC Chinese in Hong Kong.