A massive blaze that tore through a Hong Kong high-rise apartment complex, killing at least 55 people and leaving nearly 300 missing, has become one of the most serious crises since Beijing tightened its grip on the city after the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The tragedy, still unfolding as flames burn through the structure, has raised sharp questions about safety, accountability, and the city government’s response under Beijing’s oversight.
Fire Strikes Amid Political Tension
The disaster comes at a politically charged moment, with Hong Kong preparing for the December 7 legislative council elections restricted to “patriotic” candidates and the upcoming sentencing of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a leading pro-democracy figure. Analysts say Beijing is closely watching both the government’s handling of the fire and public reaction to it.
Political scientist Sonny Lo said the central government will be focused on how the tragedy affects citizens’ trust in the Hong Kong authorities. “The government has done well on national security, but national security includes a human security dimension,” he noted.
Anger Over Safety Failures and Negligence
Residents and survivors have accused authorities and the construction company overseeing building renovations of negligence and cost-cutting. Some questioned whether fire alarms worked, while others pointed to risky practices such as workers smoking on site and using bamboo scaffolding covered with flammable mesh.
Police have already arrested three men from the construction firm two directors and one engineering consultant on suspicion of manslaughter. Officials said early investigations suggest that protective plastic sheets and foam materials used during maintenance work may have fuelled the spread of the flames.
“The company’s responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably,” said police superintendent Eileen Chung.
Beijing and Local Authorities Respond
Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking from Beijing late Wednesday, ordered “all-out efforts” to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties. He also expressed condolences to victims’ families and demanded constant updates on rescue efforts.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee later visited shelters for survivors, promising a thorough investigation. “The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped,” Lee said. “Then, we’ll support the injured and recover from this disaster.”
More than 4,600 people lived in the eight-tower complex, seven of which caught fire. By early Thursday, emergency crews continued working through the wreckage as families searched for missing loved ones.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
Public anger is now spreading online, with forums on Weibo and local platforms becoming spaces for residents to question government accountability. Analysts warn that criticism may soon extend beyond the construction company to Hong Kong’s regulators and fire safety authorities.
Labour leader Chau Sze Kit urged a full review of safety management across the construction industry, including stricter government oversight. Some observers have compared the incident to the 1996 Kowloon building fire that killed 41 people and led to major safety reforms suggesting another such review may be necessary.
While Hong Kong’s government has pledged to investigate, the tragedy underscores a growing public demand for transparency in a city where political freedoms have sharply declined under Beijing’s rule.
(with inputs from Reuters)
