A devastating fire has torn through a residential building in Hong Kong, claiming at least nine lives and leaving hundreds of residents displaced in one of the territory's most serious housing emergencies in recent years.
The Blaze and Immediate Aftermath
Emergency services received multiple calls reporting the fire at the New Lucky House on Nathan Road in the Yau Ma Tei district during the evening of November 26th. The blaze rapidly spread through multiple floors of the 16-storey building, trapping residents in their homes and creating scenes of chaos in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Firefighters battled the inferno for several hours before bringing it under control, with witnesses describing flames leaping from windows and thick black smoke billowing into the night sky. The building houses both residential flats and commercial establishments, including guesthouses and restaurants, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
At least nine people have been confirmed dead following the tragedy, with multiple others injured and receiving treatment at local hospitals. The death toll is feared to rise as emergency crews continue searching the fire-damaged structure.
Hong Kong's Hospital Authority confirmed they had treated numerous casualties, with at least 13 people hospitalised, some in critical condition. The complex rescue operation saw firefighters using hydraulic platforms to reach trapped residents while others were guided to safety through smoke-filled corridors.
Approximately 200 residents were evacuated from the affected building and neighbouring properties, with many taking temporary shelter in community centres established by local authorities. Social services have been mobilised to provide essential supplies and support to those displaced by the disaster.
Investigation and Community Response
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting it may have started in commercial premises on lower floors. Fire safety officials are examining whether building safety regulations were properly maintained and if any structural violations contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
The tragedy has prompted renewed concerns about fire safety in Hong Kong's older urban buildings, particularly those housing vulnerable populations in densely packed districts. This incident represents one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong in recent memory, reviving painful memories of previous building fires that have claimed multiple lives.
Chief Executive John Lee expressed his condolences to the victims' families and pledged full support for the ongoing rescue and recovery operations. The government has established an emergency coordination centre to manage the response and provide assistance to affected residents.
