Hong Kong fire leaves 83 dead

A fire at a high-rise apartment building in Hong Kong has left 83 people dead and over 70 injured, authorities said on Tuesday.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at the 28-story building in the Kowloon Tong district at around 5:30pm local time on Monday.

“The fire started at the 25th floor, and quickly spread to the 26th and 27th floors,” said a firefighter who wished to remain anonymous.

83 people confirmed dead, most of whom were elderly residents of the building
Over 70 people injured, many with severe burns and smoke inhalation
Firefighters took around 3 hours to bring the fire under control

"The fire spread very quickly, and it was difficult for us to get to the top floors." - Firefighter

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but authorities are investigating.

Background

The building, which was completed in 1987, was home to many low-income and elderly residents.

It had been the subject of controversy in recent years due to concerns over its fire safety and maintenance.

Rescue efforts

Firefighters and paramedics worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the building.

Many residents were forced to jump from the windows to escape the inferno.

"I saw people jumping from the 20th floor, and it was a very sad sight." - Witness

“The rescue efforts were very difficult due to the height of the building and the speed at which the fire spread,” said a firefighter.

Aftermath

The fire has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater attention to be paid to fire safety in Hong Kong's high-rise buildings.

The government has promised a full investigation into the cause of the fire and to take steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of prioritizing fire safety and ensuring that our buildings are equipped with the necessary measures to prevent such disasters.

Author's Summary:

A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Kowloon Tong district has left 83 people dead, highlighting the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in the city's high-rise buildings.

Bhaskar English — 2025-11-27