Fire Of The Century In Hong Kong: Three Employees Of Construction Firm Detained

• 27.11.2025, 8:14

They've been charged.

Hong Kong police have arrested three men suspected of involvement in a major fire at a Tai Po neighborhood apartment complex. They face charges of manslaughter.

According to Reuters.

Law enforcement officials said the detainees were two directors of a construction company and a consulting engineer aged between 52 and 68.

Police's version of the fire account

Senior Superintendent of Police Aileen Chung said protective films and nets were found on the exterior of the buildings, which probably did not have fire-resistant properties. They also found sheets of foam insulation on the windows - similar materials were found in a building not touched by the fire.

The AP writes that the fire originated Wednesday afternoon on scaffolding in the 32-story building. The fire quickly spread to seven of the complex's eight high-rise buildings, presumably due to high winds. At least 44 people died, with another 279 reported missing.

Rescue efforts continued throughout the night, with hundreds of firefighters, police and medics working on the scene, about 200 fire engines and more than 100 ambulances.

By Thursday morning, the situation had been partially stabilized, but the extinguishing continues. At least 29 injured people are in hospitals. About 900 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters.