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Hong Kong Apartment Fire Kills at Least 36, Leaves 279 Missing

Is this a tragedy met with a comprehensive government response and mainland support, or a preventable disaster caused by dangerous, outdated practices?

Published 2 days ago·Updated 1 day ago

Hong Kong Apartment Fire Kills at Least 36, Leaves 279 Missing

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Above: Thick smoke and flames rise as a fire engulfs several apartment blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Nov. 26, 2025. Image credit: Yan Zhao/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Hong Kong authorities mobilized massive resources with 767 personnel, 128 fire engines and 57 ambulances responding to the deadly blaze. They provided comprehensive support, including food, temporary housing for over 700 displaced residents and mental health services. Xi's condolences demonstrate strong mainland support in the wake of this tragedy.

Global Times

Government-critical narrative

This preventable disaster stems from Hong Kong's dangerous reliance on outdated bamboo scaffolding despite known safety risks. Officials admit the fire spread was unusual and shouldn't have happened with proper materials. The government's own development bureau was trying to phase out bamboo due to its high combustibility and safety concerns.

New Start Magazine BBC News

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that Hong Kong will stop being a Special Administrative Region of China by February 2047, according to the Metaculus prediction community.