1 min read

Construction managers held over high-rise inferno

26/11/2025, 14:55

Photo: Chan Long Hei/AP/TT

Three construction officials face manslaughter charges after a catastrophic fire swept through Hong Kong high-rise buildings, killing at least 65 people and leaving approximately 300 unaccounted for, with investigators focusing on unauthorized building materials that may have accelerated the blaze.

The death toll continues to climb following the massive fire in Hong Kong’s high-rise buildings. To date, 65 fatalities have been confirmed, with approximately 300 individuals still unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, local media reports indicate that two construction managers and a consultant from the company responsible for the renovation work have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

According to sources, unauthorized materials may have been used in the scaffolding nets, among other violations. Additionally, styrofoam, a highly flammable material, was reportedly used to cover elevator windows on each floor.

The preliminary report suggests that these material choices may have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

The cause of the fire at Tai Po district is not yet known.