Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Reaches 160: World's Deadliest Residential Blaze Since 1980

Dec 10, 2025 01:58 am CST

The devastating fire in a Hong Kong high-rise apartment complex has claimed 160 lives, making it the deadliest residential building fire globally since 1980. Investigators have linked the rapid spread to non-compliant protective netting and bamboo scaffolding during renovations. Police have arrested 15 construction company representatives for manslaughter and 6 others connected to malfunctioning fire alarms, while a judge-led committee investigates the disaster.