What caused the deadly outcome of Hong Kong's large housing estate fire? Here's what we know.

A catastrophic fire has engulfed a large residential complex in Hong Kong, claiming the lives of at least 94 people, with many more reported missing, marking the citys deadliest disaster in decades. As of early Friday morning local time, several apartments remained ablaze, with firefighters struggling to reach trapped residents due to extreme heat.

One individual was rescued alive from the 16th floor of a tower in the Wang Fuk Court complex, according to Hong Kongs public broadcaster RTHK, citing the fire department. The scale of the tragedy has raised urgent questions about how such a fire could spread so rapidly in a city renowned for strict safety standards and high-rise construction.

The housing estate, located in Tai Po, is home to over 4,000 residents, many aged 65 and older. Authorities have yet to determine the fires cause, though a criminal investigation is underway.

The complex, undergoing renovation, was surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and safety netting, a common construction practice in Hong Kong and parts of mainland China. Officials are examining whether flammable materials, including polystyrene boards covering windows, contributed to the rapid spread.

Initial firefighting efforts focused on three of the seven affected towers, where more than 200 residents were initially reported missing. By early Friday, firefighters began systematically entering all units to check for anyone trapped, with operations expected to conclude by 9 a.m. local time.

Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Armstrong Chan noted that efforts took longer than anticipated because the blaze was far more intense than first assessed. The fire began shortly before 3 p.m. local time at Wang Cheong House, a 32-story building in the complex undergoing renovations. By the time crews arrived, the scaffolding and netting were already on fire, allowing flames to spread to adjacent towers.

At least seven of the eight towers were affected, forcing surviving residents into temporary accommodations. Extreme temperatures and falling debris prevented firefighters from reaching many trapped individuals.

By Thursday morning, three buildings were largely extinguished, while four still had lingering flames, according to Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who said the situation was basically under control. Authorities have not confirmed how many missing residents were trapped versus unreachable during the evacuation chaos.

Over 800 firefighters, 128 fire trucks, and 57 ambulances were deployed. Police arrested three men on suspicion of gross negligence, linked to the construction company responsible for the flammable polystyrene boards and other unsafe materials such as protective nets and plastic covers.

Among the victims was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who succumbed to injuries sustained while combating the fire. More than 100 people were injured, including 11 firefighters. Hundreds of residents are now homeless, and the city has announced a policy providing social worker support for affected households and a financial relief of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars per household.

Residents described fleeing their units in panic, while some elderly inhabitants and pets remain unaccounted for. This fire is likely the deadliest in Hong Kong since World War II, surpassing the 1996 Garley building fire, which killed 41 people.

Hong Kongs high-density urban environment has a strong safety record, but the bamboo scaffolding used widely in renovations is combustible and increasingly scrutinized. Authorities recently mandated that half of new public building projects must use metal scaffolding to enhance safety, a decision that sparked debate over preserving cultural heritage.

The disaster has intensified scrutiny on both Hong Kong and Chinese officials. As a semi-autonomous region, Hong Kong is governed locally but increasingly influenced by Beijing. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences and called for maximum support to minimize casualties and losses. Chief Executive Lee also extended condolences to the families affected.

Images from the scene show towering flames and heavy smoke engulfing multiple buildings, while temporary shelters accommodate displaced residents. Recovery and investigation efforts continue as the city grapples with one of the deadliest tragedies in its modern history.

Analysis: The Tragic Fire in Hong Kong and the Safety Concerns it Raises

The catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has left at least 94 people dead, marking the deadliest disaster in the city's history in decades. With many residents still missing, this tragedy has prompted widespread questions about fire safety protocols, construction practices, and the adequacy of emergency response procedures in high-rise buildings.

One of the most concerning aspects of the fire is its rapid spread. Despite Hong Kong's reputation for stringent safety regulations, the presence of bamboo scaffolding and flammable materials, such as polystyrene boards used during renovations, has raised alarms. These materials, commonly used in construction across Hong Kong and mainland China, appear to have contributed to the fire's intensity, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. The speed with which the fire spread from one tower to another underscores the risks associated with these materials.

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the possible negligence behind the use of unsafe materials. This investigation, coupled with the arrest of three men linked to the construction company responsible, highlights a critical area that needs urgent attention in the wake of this disaster. The fire has raised serious questions about the oversight of building renovations and the materials used, especially when it comes to the safety of vulnerable residents, such as the elderly, who make up a significant portion of the complex's population.

In the aftermath, authorities have made efforts to provide support to the displaced residents, including financial assistance and social worker support. While these measures are crucial, the tragedy highlights the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of construction and fire safety standards in Hong Kong. Specifically, the debate over the use of bamboo scaffolding needs to be revisited. While this method has cultural significance, its safety risks in the context of modern high-rise construction cannot be ignored.

The investigation into the cause of the fire and the responsibilities of those involved will likely continue for months, but one thing is clear: Hong Kong's fire safety and building regulations must evolve to prevent future disasters of this scale. The city must learn from this tragedy to ensure that the safety of its residents is never compromised again.

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• How did Hong Kong’s massive housing estate fire turn so deadly? Here’s what we know