Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Reaches 128; Officials Cite Faulty Alarm Systems

Officials Still Investigating Cause of Deadly Hong Kong Fire

Authorities in Hong Kong reported that the death toll from Wednesday’s high-rise fire has risen to 128, while dozens remain injured or missing. The fire tore through a residential complex, leaving multiple families displaced and prompting renewed scrutiny of building safety measures in the city.

Fire Alarms Suspected to Have Failed

Emergency officials said the building’s fire alarm systems did not function properly during the blaze. A government spokesperson confirmed that a technical inspection is underway to determine whether maintenance failures contributed to the disaster.

“Our preliminary assessment suggests the fire alarms did not trigger as they should have,” said a representative from the Fire Services Department. “We are examining whether the system had been regularly tested and certified.”

Search and Rescue Efforts

Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze and locate survivors. Several nearby residents described scenes of chaos as smoke filled adjacent towers.

“People were screaming from their balconies,” said one eyewitness. “The smoke was so thick that you couldn’t see a few meters ahead.”

Government Response and Investigation

Chief Executive John Lee stated that the government has launched an independent investigation into the cause of the fire and the apparent alarm malfunction. Authorities pledged full transparency and promised to review safety standards across similar residential buildings.

Housing officials have also begun assessing the structural integrity of the affected complex to determine whether residents can safely return to recover belongings.

Author’s summary: Officials are investigating the Hong Kong high-rise fire that killed 128, focusing on malfunctioning alarms and reviewing safety regulations citywide.

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BBC BBC — 2025-11-28

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