The death toll from a devastating fire at Hong Kong’s Choi Yuen Estate public housing complex has risen to 146, with victims found both inside apartments and on rooftops where residents had fled in desperation. Officials warn that inspections of the remaining high-rise buildings could take several more weeks, and the casualty count may still rise as recovery efforts continue.

The blaze, which erupted on November 30, 2025, has been described as the city’s worst residential fire since a 1948 warehouse fire that claimed 176 lives. Investigators have identified flammable aluminum composite panels installed during recent renovations as the primary cause for the rapid spread of flames across five residential towers. The fire’s speed left residents with little time to evacuate, resulting in victims being trapped in their homes and on rooftops.

Authorities have arrested over 40 individuals in connection with safety violations and potential negligence in the renovation work. Emergency responders continue to search affected buildings for additional casualties, while structural assessments of the damaged towers are ongoing. Firefighters and city officials emphasize that the disaster’s full scale may not be known for weeks, as some apartments remain inaccessible due to intense heat damage and debris.

The Choi Yuen Estate fire has sparked renewed scrutiny over building safety regulations and renovation standards in Hong Kong’s public housing complexes. Officials have vowed to enhance enforcement of fire prevention measures and conduct more rigorous inspections to prevent similar tragedies. For residents and families affected, the human cost of the disaster is a stark reminder of the importance of safety oversight in densely populated urban areas.

As Hong Kong mourns the lives lost, emergency services continue to work tirelessly to recover victims and assess risks to other buildings, highlighting both the immediate tragedy and long-term challenges in protecting the city’s high-rise residents.