{"loaderData":{"0-25":{"context":{"type":0,"statusCode":200,"cacheControlMaxAge":60,"regenerateInterval":180,"payload":{"pageType":"live-blog-landing-page","results":[{"title":"","url":"","description":"","type":"live-coverage","refCode":"live:-hong-kong-residential-buildings-blaze","cards":[],"liveBlogData":{"htmlData":"

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Recap: Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 75; many still missing

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Blazes have been extinguished in 4 apartments blocks, while those in 3 others have been brought under control.

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Gabrielle Andres, Wong Man Shun, BNB Diviyadhaarshini

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Published: Nov 27, 2025

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Follow ST's live coverage.","ogDescription":"Get key updates on Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in three decades. Read more at straitstimes.com","jsonLd":"{\"@context\":\"https:\\/\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"LiveBlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/live-hong-kong-buildings-fire-deaths\",\"headline\":\"Live: Hong Kong residential complex fire\",\"description\":\"At least 44 people were killed and nearly 300 were missing after Hong Kong\\u2019s deadliest fire in three decades ripped through high-rise towers sheathed in bamboo scaffolding.\",\"coverageStartTime\":\"2025-11-27T07:00:00+08:00\",\"coverageEndTime\":\"2025-11-27T23:59:00+08:00\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/assets\\/ST-logo-default-aoeSLh4S.png\",\"width\":\"1228\",\"height\":\"96\"}},\"liveBlogUpdate\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"ICYMI: Major developments a day after deadly HK fire \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T19:01:54+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T23:22:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"At least 75 people have been reported dead, including one firefighter and two Indonesian helpers, with hundreds more still missing as of Thursday afternoon.The Hong Kong government will set up a fund worth HK$300 million (S$50 million) to aid the residents of the complex and will provide 1,000 units of youth hostels or hotels for those affected. The city\\u2019s development bureau is looking to gradually replace bamboo scaffolding with metal and up to 100 contractors have seven days to submit documents proving the use of fire-retardant materials. Hong Kong\\u2019s anti-corruption body said on Thursday that it launched a probe into renovation work at the housing complex that caught fire. The source of the fire is under probe, but investigators are pointing to the installation of flammable materials on the buildings as a potential factor.Three men from a construction company - two directors and one engineering consultant - have been arrested for suspected manslaughter. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"\\u2018Impossible to erase from my mind\\u2019: Resident, 71, returns home to find complex in flames\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T18:52:26+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T19:11:46+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Resident Peter Leung, 71, made it back to the area just before 4pm on Wednesday to find the complex in flames, although his 28th floor apartment is in the one building that was not affected, reported Bloomberg. \\u201cIt was horrifying \\u2013 I have lived so long and I have never been so scared in my life,\\u201d said Mr Leung, who is now retired.He added: \\u201cI am heartbroken. The image is impossible to erase from my mind.\\u201dREAD MORE HERE PHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"HK government to pledge HK$300 million to aid residents, looking to replace bamboo scaffolding with metal\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T18:24:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T19:00:51+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Chief Executive John Lee says the Hong Kong government will set up a HK$300 million (S$50 million) fund to aid the residents of the fire-ravaged housing complex in the Tai Po district.He also says that the city\\u2019s development bureau is discussing gradually replacing bamboo scaffolding across the city with metal scaffolding. Mr Lee says up to 100 contractors of building complexes across the nation will have seven days to submit documents proving the use of fire-retardant materials.The Hong Kong government will provide 1,000 units of youth hostel or hotel rooms for residents to stay in for up to two weeks. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"\\u2018I can only wait helplessly\\u2019: Woman looking for missing husband\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T18:12:15+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T18:12:15+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A lady who wanted to be known only as Mrs Mok sat dejectedly at a stretch of tiled benches at the podium of the neighbouring Kwok Fuk Estate, barely five minutes walk from Wang Fuk Court. Her construction worker husband, Mr Mok Kam Lam, remains missing and uncontactable, she said. The last time she spoke with him on the phone was at 3pm on Nov 26. Mrs Mok, who declined to be photographed, said she had registered her husband as a missing person with the police as well as the Prince of Wales Hospital in nearby Sha Tin district where many of the rescued victims had been taken to. But she had heard nothing back from them for a day now, and she could no longer get through to his phone. \\\"I have no idea at all what to do now,\\\" Mrs Mok said with a pained look and tears in her eyes. \\\"I can only wait helplessly for information to come.\\\" Her husband's two brothers and their wives had come down to offer her emotional support. The group of five were huddled together around the benches, red-eyed and solemn. They had gathered on the podium where many members of the press were, for \\\"the only chance we might have to get any updated information immediately\\\", Mrs Mok said. She could not muster even an appetite to eat from the free lunchbox she had been given a while ago by the volunteers in the area. One of her sisters-in-law said: \\\"He (Mrs Mok's husband) was working on the external wall of the building. It seems like the fire latched on very quickly.\\\"He may not have been able to escape in time. We are very fearful of that possibility.\\\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Tai Po Football Club has moment of silence before match in Australia\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T17:57:15+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T17:57:15+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The football team from Tai Po district, where the fire happened, wore black arm bands and stood in solemn silence ahead of their match on Thursday in an Asian club competition, reported AFP.Tai Po FC faced Australian side Macarthur FC away in the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier club tournament in Asian football, about 24 hours after the massive fire broke out.Tai Po\\u2019s Brazilian captain Igor Sartori declined to celebrate after putting his side ahead in the 24th minute, instead putting his hands together in prayer.PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM TPFC\\/INSTAGRAM \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Donations and necessities come pouring in to help those affected by the blaze\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T15:10:23+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T17:52:09+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The Jack Ma Foundation will donate at least HK$30 million (S$4.9 million) to provide help for families affected by the fire and to the firefighters and rescue operations, reported Reuters.Communities across the nation are also collecting donations for those affected. Residents are being asked to donate items such as blankets, sleeping mats, power banks, food and other necessities. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Volunteers seek lost pets amid Hong Kong inferno wreckage\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T17:08:17+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T17:51:49+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Dozens of workers from Hong Kong\\u2019s animal welfare agencies arrive with oxygenated pet carriers and animal ambulances to search for pets in the blazing Wang Fuk Court complex, reports Reuters.The workers, who are carrying cages, negotiate with police to allow them through cordons keeping out the public, as the fire rages in the complex on Thursday.Social media posts depict elderly people weeping for animals they left behind in the rush to save human lives. Despite Hong Kong\\u2019s often cramped apartment lifestyles, pet ownership is increasingly popular.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"'I just want to do whatever little I can to make things better'\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T17:43:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T17:51:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Volunteers are gathering to contribute to donations ranging from cartons of mineral water to bunches of bananas, bags of warm clothes, boxes of masks and even packets of disposable underwear. The donations are being transported to various shelters and public spaces by taxis, expensive cars, bicycles and even by netizens on foot, reported ST\\u2019s Hong Kong Correspondent Magdalene Fung. Communities, group chats and websites are springing up, with volunteers responding fast to offer their help. \\u201cThis is the largest outpouring of civilian efforts since 2019,\\u201d said Ms Mimi Lau, a journalism lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University. An 18-year-old vocational student says he saw on a group chat that help was needed to coordinate logistics at Rainbow BBQ Store, one of the resource allocation points. \\u201cI just want to do whatever little I can to make things better for those affected in the face of such a major tragedy. That\\u2019s really the bare minimum I can do,\\u201d he said. READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Sense of purpose on the ground as volunteers chip in\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T12:12:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T17:37:36+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"I took an Uber to the shelter at the Tai Po Community Centre. Traffic was slow for about 15 minutes. Other reporters were stuck far longer depending on where they were coming from.By the time I arrived around 9am, life in the neighbourhood looked largely normal. People were eating at the wet market and going to the gym.Inside the centre, things looked orderly. The residents, mainly the elderly, rest while scrolling their phones for the latest updates. Some helpers were also around.Volunteers came with supplies, such as Pocari isotonic drinks, thermos flasks and bananas. They also offered their cars to transport the supplies. I spotted a Tesla and a taxi.There was a quiet sense of purpose as people walked towards the fire site, carrying supplies, offering masks and solidarity with those affected. READ MORE HEREST PHOTO: MAGDALENE FUNG\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Shu Qi and Sam Hui pay tribute to firefighters\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T17:27:20+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T17:37:10+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Taiwanese actress Shu Qi and Hong Kong singer Sam Hui are among celebrities who have reacted to the fire in Hong Kong.Writing in Chinese on social media on Thursday, Shu Qi says: \\u201cMay the fire be put out soon and may everyone be safe and sound. Salutes to the brave firefighters.\\u201cMay the departed rest in peace.\\u201dHui posted a handwritten note on Instagram on Wednesday which reads: \\u201cAs a resident of Tai Po, I feel deeply for them.\\u201cI hope all sectors will support and concentrate their efforts to assist the Fire Services Department in the rescue efforts. God bless Hong Kong.\\u201dThe fire broke out in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. It has 2,000 apartments in eight blocks, seven of which were affected by the fire. View this post on Instagram READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"In Pictures: Temporary shelters give solace to affected residents\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T16:49:15+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T16:49:59+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"There are at least eight temporary shelters set up by the Tai Po District Office. The office says it will open more shelters as needed and liaise with other government departments to provide residents with appropriate help.PHOTOS: EPA, AFP, REUTERS \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"It was like a fire dragon, says resident\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T10:54:51+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T16:32:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ms Lui Lai Tao, 63, lives one bridge away from the estate on fire. She and her family, including her grandson and Indonesian helper, had spent the night at a shelter at Tai Po Community Centre.\\u201cWhen I saw the fire from across the road, it was like a fire dragon, swallowing six buildings. And it kept spreading with the external renovation materials. I\\u2019ve never seen anything like this. It was so scary,\\u201d says Ms Lui.Repi, her helper who has been with the family for 10 months, recalls the evacuation at 4.30pm. \\u201cI didn\\u2019t have much time to think.\\u201d\\u201cThe neighbour banged on our door and urged me to come down immediately. I didn\\u2019t have time, I took with me only food, water, jacket and a change of clothes,\\u201d she says.Though safe at the shelter, Ms Lui worries about her cat who had narrowly survived a previous fire in 2009, when Ms Lui\\u2019s village house in New Territories was burnt down.Ms Lui almost lost her two children in that 2009 fire. \\u201cWhenever I see fire now, I have PTSD.\\u201dST PHOTO: MAGDALENE FUNG \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Hong Kong anti-corruption body launches probe after fire\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T16:28:41+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T16:28:41+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Hong Kong\\u2019s anti-corruption body said on Thursday that it launched a probe into renovation work at the housing complex that caught fire, reports AFP.\\u201cIn view of the immense public interest involved, the ICAC today set up a task force to launch a full investigation into possible corruption in the grand renovation project of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po,\\u201d the Independent Commission Against Corruption said in a statement.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"2 Indonesian domestic helpers killed in blaze \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T16:08:48+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T16:08:48+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The Indonesian Consulate in Hong Kong said two Indonesian domestic helpers were killed in the fire, leaving two other Indonesians injured, reported The New York Times. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"'Very worried': Survivors continue to hunt for the missing\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T15:50:20+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T15:50:43+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Residents are mobilising to track down hundreds of those who remain missing after the fire broke out, creating WhatsApp groups and an app to try and locate those still unaccounted for, reports AFP.An online spreadsheet - which has been converted into a web app - has been circulated for people to mark themselves as safe.However, dozens of spreadsheet cells are still highlighted in red, which means \\\"help needed\\\".Volunteers provided bananas and energy drinks to firefighters, and clothes, chargers, food and hot water bottles to those who have been displaced.Dozens are also organising donated clothing.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"calistawst\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Death toll in blaze rises to 55\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T15:19:14+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T15:19:14+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"According to the Hong Kong fire department, the death toll from the blaze has risen to 55, reported AFP.Fire service officials told a news conference that 51 died at the scene, while four died in hospital.Blazes in four of the eight apartment blocks have been extinguished while fires in the other three are under control, said the fire service officials. One building was not affected. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Task force investigating cause of fire, says HK's John Lee\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T08:02:19+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T14:51:05+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Hong Kong leader John Lee, speaking to reporters, says that the priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents trapped inside the buildings.\\u201cThe second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover,\\u201d he adds.The city\\u2019s police and fire departments have established a task force to investigate the cause of the fire, Mr Lee is quoted by the BBC as saying.The housing authority and buildings department has also launched a review looking into whether the building's fire retardant protective materials met required standards.Meanwhile, China\\u2019s President Xi Jinping urged an \\u201call-out effort\\u201d to extinguish the fire and to minimise casualties and losses, China\\u2019s state broadcaster CCTV said.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Police search maintenance company, Chief Executive Lee orders estate inspections\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T14:16:17+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T14:16:17+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Police searched the Wang Fuk Court\\u2019s building maintenance company on Thursday morning, seizing documents that mention the housing estate, according to local media.The company, however, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Meanwhile, Hong Kong\\u2019s Chief Executive John Lee convened an inter-departmental meeting and ordered immediate inspections of all housing estates undergoing major maintenance works.This is to ensure the safety of scaffolding and construction materials.He also stated in a social media post that his administration would provide financial help, temporary accommodation and other forms of support to those affected as soon as possible, and would follow up with the necessary relief arrangements.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What we know so far\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T13:18:06+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T13:43:27+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The fire in four blocks of Wang Fuk Court housing complex was brought under control by Thursday morning, with firefighting operations continuing in three blocks. One block was not affected. At least 44 people have died, including one firefighter, and 45 people are in critical condition. Hundreds more remain missing, and around 900 residents were moved to temporary shelters.The source of the fire is currently under probe, but investigators are pointing to the installation of flammable materials on the buildings as a potential factor in the dramatic escalation of the blaze.Three men from a construction company - two directors and one engineering consultant - have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, with police accusing the firm of gross negligence.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore Consulate-General in HK and Taiwan President extend condolences\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T12:00:57+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T13:19:03+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Singapore Consulate-general in Hong Kong says it is deeply saddened by the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.Consulate-General Eric Teo extends his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, as well as best wishes to those who have been affected by the blaze.\\u201cWe wish to express our admiration for the brave firefighters, medical personnel, all other frontliners and volunteers, some of whom have sacrificed their lives,\\u201d said the Consulate-General. In an X post on Thursday, Taiwan\\u2019s President Lai Ching-te also extends his condolences to \\u201cHong Kong friends who lost their lives in this disaster and to their families\\u201d and hopes that the missing can be safely found.He says: \\u201cAt this moment, let us join together in prayers for Hong Kong.\\u201d \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Faint smell of smoke in the air as onlookers gather at overhead bridge\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T12:29:24+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T12:29:39+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"People gather at an overhead bridge on Tai Po Road across the disaster site to look and take photos and videos.There is a buzz of low voices as several people give \\u201clive commentary\\u201d via their mobile phones.Several people put on masks to protect themselves from the faint smell of smoke in the air, as a breeze carries the smoke over from the smouldering building.Fire can still be seen in some of the windows. The space between the buildings appears to be quite narrow, so it might be difficult for the fire trucks and their hoses to reach certain angles.Many of the onlookers are also residents of the estate whose homes have been affected. Some even brought binoculars to check on the condition of their apartments.At a park not far from the bridge, the burning smell is stronger, causing eyes to tear. Some residents decline to speak to the media. \\u201cStop forcing us to keep recounting our misfortunes,\\u201d one could be heard saying. \\u201cWe\\u2019re upset enough as it is.\\u201dST PHOTO: MAGDALENE FUNG\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"\\u2018Such a devastating day\\u2019: Ex-Miss Hong Kong Lisa-Marie Tse witnesses her grandmother\\u2019s home burn down\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T11:43:48+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T12:01:39+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The home of former Miss Hong Kong Lisa-Marie Tse\\u2019s grandmother was among those lost in the Wednesday blaze.In an Instagram story on Wednesday, Tse expresses her condolences for those who lost their lives, have been injured or lost their homes because of the fire.She says: \\u201cI spent the day watching my grandmother\\u2019s home burning right in front of my eyes. Such a devastating day.\\u201dShe did not elaborate on whether her grandmother lived there or if she was safely evacuated. Tse also shares information on where people could get help.Other celebrities who posted calls for help include Edmond Leung, Sammi Cheng and Kay Tse.PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM LISAMARIE_TSE\\/INSTAGRAM \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"No Filipino nationals killed or injured in blaze\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T11:17:30+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T11:17:30+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"There are no confirmed reports of Filipinos killed or injured in the blaze, said the Philippine News Agency in an X post on Thursday. This comes after the Philippine Consulate-General in Hong Kong had earlier received unverified information that a number of Filipino domestic workers may be trapped in the affected buildings. The Philippines is in touch with Hong Kong authorities over reports of Filipinos trapped in the burning residential complex in Tai Po District.The Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday there is no confirmed reports of Filipinos killed or injured as a result of the Level 5\\u2026\\u2014 Philippine News Agency (@pnagovph) November 27, 2025 \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Firefighter killed in fire hailed as \\u2018dedicated and gallant\\u2019\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T10:11:34+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T10:13:35+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ho Wai-ho, the 37-year-old firefighter among the 44 people killed in the fire, was a \\u201cdedicated and gallant fireman\\u201d and a \\u201cdevoted comrade\\u201d, says Hong Kong\\u2019s Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung.Ho was attached to the Sha Tin Fire Station and was a member of the Fire Services Department for nine years. He was found collapsed at the scene of the fire and was rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital, according to a government release.He died in hospital at 4.41pm on Wednesday.Hong Kong\\u2019s Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung says he is \\u201cprofoundly grieved\\u201d by Ho\\u2019s death and also expresses sympathy to the family members of others who died in the fire.Chinese President Xi Jinping had earlier expressed condolences to the victims, including \\u201cthe firefighter who died in the line of duty\\u201d, according to state media.PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM HONGKONG.NEWSUPDATES\\/INSTAGRAM\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Firefighter among 44 dead, 45 others in critical condition: Fire department\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T07:19:20+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T09:57:20+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A firefighter was among the 44 people who have been killed in the fire, with 45 others in hospital in critical condition.Hundreds are still missing, a department spokesman tells a news conference that was held before dawn on Thursday.The fire was under control in four of the residential blocks, the spokesman added.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"In Pictures: Scale of devastation from Tai Po fire\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T09:50:44+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T09:50:44+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Drone images at dawn show the scale of devastation caused by the fire at the housing complex in Tai Po, as firefighters continue to battle flames.PHOTOS: AFP, REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"US Consulate-General in Hong Kong extends condolences\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T09:35:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T09:38:27+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In a post on Instagram, the US consul-general in Hong Kong says: \\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Tai Po.\\u201cOur thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this devastating fire. We extend our heartfelt condolences during this time of profound loss.\\u201d View this post on Instagram \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"emswong\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Decades-old risky bamboo scaffolding in the spotlight\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T09:22:36+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T09:22:36+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The blaze has put the spotlight on Hong Kong\\u2019s risky use of flammable bamboo scaffolding and mesh for building work.While the origin of the blaze is unclear, there is no hiding the ease with which the fire rapidly spread across the green netting and sent bamboo lattices crashing to the ground in flames.The tradition dates back centuries to mainland China. For decades, bamboo has been the material of choice for scaffolding in Hong Kong - cheap, abundant and flexible - bound together with nylon cords.Now, though, it has largely been phased out for sturdier metal scaffolding and clamps.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"'Couldn't do anything': Residents wait at shelter as fire devours homes\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T09:00:28+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T09:00:28+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Residents anxiously await news of their loved ones at a temporary shelter on Thursday, as firefighters continue to fight the blaze that engulfed the housing complex.Since Wednesday evening, residents have been arriving to report family members they lost contact with.A resident, 25-year-old Veezy Chan, says that she \\u201cwatched the fire burn and couldn\\u2019t do anything\\u201d.\\u201cWe also didn\\u2019t know what everyone could do,\\u201d she said.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"3 arrested men are from construction firm: Police\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T08:11:10+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T08:37:33+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Hong Kong police say the suspects who have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter are from a construction firm, reported the BBC.The three men - aged between 52 and 68 - consist of two directors and an engineering consultant.A police spokesperson says they found mesh and protective material on the outside of the buildings that don't seem to be fireproof, as well as styrofoam on the building's windows.The spokesperson adds that they have reason to believe that those in charge at the company were \\u201cgrossly negligent\\u201d, resulting in the accident.PHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Nearby schools, roads closed on Thursday\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T08:26:53+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T08:26:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"At least six schools will be closed on Thursday due to the fire and traffic congestion in the area, Hong Kong\\u2019s Education Bureau says.Additionally, the Transport Department says an entire section of Tai Po Road - one of Hong Kong\\u2019s two main highways - had been closed and buses were being diverted.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What we know so far\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T07:24:05+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T07:26:03+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A fire broke out at the 2,000-unit Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong\\u2019s northern Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon. At least 44 people have been reported killed, including one firefighter, with at least 45 others in critical condition.Nearly 300 people are reported missing, with some residents believed to be trapped inside the buildings.The fire has been controlled in four of the blocks as of Thursday morning. About 900 people are taking refuge in eight shelters.Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the fire, reports public broadcaster RTHK.The cause of the blaze is not immediately known, but it was fanned by green construction mesh and bamboo scaffolding - a mainstay of traditional Chinese architecture.PHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"At least 40 people dead, hundreds missing in massive Hong Kong fires\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-27T07:13:38+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-27T07:19:45+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, with at least 40 people reported dead by Thursday morning.Nearly 300 people are also reported to be missing, and about 900 people are taking refuge in eight shelters.The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it was fuelled by green construction mesh and bamboo scaffolding.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"gabriellea\"}}]}","keywords":"Hong Kong, Fire, Tai Po, Buildings, ST Live Blog, bamboo scaffolding, blaze, HK, Hong Kong fire, high-rise fire, building safety, HK, scaffolding, Tai Po, Wang Fuk Court, latest, Live","robots":"index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1","image":"https://static1.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/articles/2025/11/27/rrhk2711.jpg?VersionId=RvoG3HiCksQtdniJS..OKma6qxNkAPUG"},"gaData":{"level2":"23","chapter1":"","chapter2":"","title":"Live:_Hong_Kong_residential_buildings_blaze","title_ga":"Live: Hong Kong residential buildings blaze","pagination":"1","contenttype":"live blog"}},"dependentPaths":[]}}},"actionData":null,"errors":null}