China launches nationwide high-rise inspections after deadly Hong Kong fire

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The Chinese government said on Saturday that it will inspect high-rise buildings across the country to ensure they are fire-safe, following a deadly fire in a Hong Kong apartment complex that killed at least 128 people.

The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management announced that the comprehensive campaign will focus on densely populated housing undergoing exterior wall renovation or interior modifications, in addition to public buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and residential complexes.

“We must comprehensively strengthen fire safety management in high-rise buildings to effectively protect people’s lives and property,” the ministry said. Local authorities have been asked to conduct inspections and take “immediate corrective action” when needed.

“Strict enforcement action will be taken against serious violations and those who fail to eliminate major security risks will be held accountable,” the ministry said.

Inspections will check whether any flammable materials are being used for insulation or whether building materials such as bamboo scaffolding have been installed. It will also ensure the operation of fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation routes.

The worst fire in Hong Kong in decades broke out on Wednesday in Wang Fook Court, a model apartment complex with apartment buildings more than 30 storeys high.

The death toll reached 128 on Saturday, according to Hong Kong authorities. Police said that 144 missing residents were found safe, while 83 others were injured. Up to 150 people are still missing.

Initial reports indicated that flammable cladding added during renovations may have helped the fire spread quickly.

Police said on Saturday that firefighting operations had ended. Emergency services searched two of the seven buildings that caught fire, but found no more bodies.

The Hong Kong government lowered its flags to half-mast on Saturday to commemorate the disaster, while John Lee, the territory’s chief executive, and other officials stood in silence for three minutes, according to local broadcaster RTHK.

Hong Kong authorities have arrested 11 people while investigating possible corruption and the use of unsafe materials during renovation work at the complex.

This fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse fire.

Additional reporting from Cheng Ling in Beijing