China has announced a sweeping national inspection of fire safety standards in high-rise buildings after a catastrophic blaze in Hong Kong left at least 128 people dead and hundreds unaccounted for. The Ministry of Emergency Management said on Saturday that the inspections will prioritise structures undergoing exterior wall renovations and internal alterations, citing heightened risks linked to construction activity.
According to the ministry, inspectors will focus on four areas identified as critical vulnerabilities. These include the use of flammable materials in exterior insulation systems, unauthorised or outdated construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding, the maintenance and accessibility of fire safety equipment, and the condition of emergency evacuation pathways. Local authorities across China have been instructed to carry out immediate checks and address hazards without delay.
The announcement follows what has become Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades. The blaze ignited on the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at a large residential complex consisting of eight towers and home to more than 4,600 residents. Witness accounts and early investigations indicate that the fire moved quickly across several buildings wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green protective mesh, both of which are commonly used in construction projects across the region.
After days of continuous effort, emergency crews have brought the fire under control. Officials confirmed 128 fatalities, while around 200 residents remain missing. At least 79 people were hospitalised with injuries. Twelve firefighters were also hurt during the response, with one reported to be in serious condition. Search teams continue to comb through damaged sections of the complex to account for those still missing.
Hong Kong police have taken three men into custody on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident. Superintendent Eileen Chung said the arrests involve two directors of the construction company responsible for the renovation work and an engineering consultant linked to the project. Investigators are examining whether safety protocols were ignored or if prohibited materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The disaster has renewed scrutiny of construction safety across both Hong Kong and mainland China, especially in densely populated urban centres where renovation work is frequent and often extensive. Officials in Beijing said the national inspection campaign is intended to prevent similar tragedies and to reinforce stricter oversight of high-rise building safety during construction and repair projects.
