Hong Kong’s worst blaze in 70 years leaves 83 dead, rescuers battle to reach trapped residents

Hong Kong reeled under its deadliest fire in seven decades on Thursday as the death toll from a massive blaze that tore through seven high-rise residential towers in Tai Po climbed to 83. Firefighters battled for a second straight day to contain flames still burning on the upper floors, while rescue teams continued pulling victims from smoke-filled corridors and charred apartments.

More than 280 people remained missing as authorities warned that the numbers could rise further, with many residents feared



trapped in the 32-storey buildings that were under large-scale renovation. The fire has injured at least 76 people, overwhelmed emergency services and triggered a sweeping criminal investigation into safety lapses at the subsidised housing estate.

The Hong Kong government announced a HKD 300 million (USD 43 million) relief fund and moved hundreds of displaced residents to temporary shelters, while Chief Executive John Lee ordered immediate inspections of all public housing estates under major renovation.