SAD NEWS: Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in years leaves at least 44 dead, 279 missing, cause of fire determined to be…
In what has now become Hong Kong’s most devastating fire in decades, officials confirm that at least 44 people have died and 279 remain missing after the massive blaze tore through the residential towers of Tai Po. As rescue teams continue searching through unstable, charred structures, investigators are narrowing down what may have triggered the catastrophe.
Though the official cause has not yet been fully concluded, early investigative findings strongly point toward a rapid ignition involving exterior construction materials. According to sources close to the inquiry, experts believe the fire may have begun along the bamboo scaffolding and plastic protective sheeting that surrounded the building due to ongoing renovation works. These materials, once ignited, could have created a powerful vertical “chimney effect,” pulling flames upward at an uncontrollable speed.
Some investigators are also examining whether highly flammable insulating boards near several windows played a role in accelerating the spread of the blaze. While the possibility of human error — such as improperly discarded smoking materials or unsafe electrical equipment — has not been ruled out, authorities emphasize that no evidence currently points to intentional wrongdoing.
Residents described the fire as “a wall of flames climbing the building in seconds,” leaving many trapped inside apartments as smoke filled the hallways.
The Hong Kong Police Force has detained three individuals linked to the renovation project for questioning regarding potential negligence, though no charges have been confirmed.
As emergency teams continue their search and the city mourns, investigators are expected to release a more detailed explanation of the fire’s cause in the coming days.
Officials warn that the final report may reveal a combination of structural vulnerabilities, outdated safety materials, and a single ignition source coming together in a tragic and deadly sequence.