Hong Kong begins grim recovery work after deadly blaze

Death toll continues to rise as investigation is launched over what sparked the fire

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The death toll from a massive fire in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 75, with about 70 people injured and around 280 still unaccounted for more than a day later, the local authorities said on Nov 27.

The fire was reportedly the deadliest in Hong Kong since its 1997 handover to Chinese rule. A firefighter was among the dead, according to the local fire services department.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee claimed on the evening of Nov 27 that the fire in all seven towers had been “basically put under control”, even though flames were apparently visible on site.

In his press briefing, Lee said the government will hand out HK$10,000 (S$1,700) to each affected household, adding: “No matter how complex the environment is, firefighters’ rescue efforts will not stop.”

The city leader said the authorities will earmark HK$300 million for disaster relief, while all celebratory activities on schedule would either be cancelled or postponed. Government officials will avoid participation in “unnecessary” public events, he added.

The authorities have begun investigating what sparked the disastrous blaze — the financial hub’s worst in nearly 80 years — including the presence of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the structures as part of an estate-wide renovation.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption body said it has launched a probe into renovation work at a housing complex, hours after the police said they had arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site.