The death toll from Hong Kong’s towering residential inferno has risen to 83, authorities said on Friday, as rescue teams continued combing through the charred remains of the high-rise where hundreds are still unaccounted for. The fire, one of the deadliest in the city’s history, tore through more than 20 floors of the Kowloon-side apartment block late Wednesday night, trapping families in their homes as thick smoke filled stairwells and elevator shafts.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze, but hazardous conditions have slowed the search for survivors. Officials confirmed that more than 280 people remain missing, with emergency crews still unable to access several structurally unstable sections of the building. Many of the missing are believed to be residents who were home during the evening peak hours, while others may have been visitors or workers inside the complex.
Survivors described scenes of chaos, with alarms blaring, corridors darkened by smoke, and residents attempting to flee down stairwells swarmed by heat. Some reported climbing to the rooftop to escape the flames, only to be rescued hours later by helicopter crews. Authorities said at least 170 people suffered injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to severe burns.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee visited the site and pledged a full investigation, saying the government would “leave no question unanswered” regarding the cause of the blaze and the building’s fire-safety compliance. Engineers are examining whether aging wiring, illegal modifications, or blocked escape routes played a role in the rapid spread of the fire.
As the city mourns, emergency teams have increased manpower in hopes of locating any remaining survivors. Families of the missing gathered at a nearby sports hall converted into an assistance center, where officials are collecting DNA samples to help identify victims. Authorities warned that the toll is likely to rise further as recovery efforts continue.
