In response to Hong Kong’s most catastrophic fire incident in decades, Chinese authorities have launched an unprecedented nationwide safety inspection targeting high-rise buildings. The Ministry of Emergency Management announced the comprehensive campaign on Saturday, November 29, 2025, following Wednesday’s devastating blaze that claimed 128 lives with approximately 200 individuals still unaccounted for and 79 injured.
The inspection initiative will concentrate on structures undergoing external renovations and interior modifications, with particular emphasis on four critical safety domains: combustible materials within external wall insulation systems, prohibited construction materials including bamboo scaffolding, functionality of fire safety equipment, and accessibility of emergency evacuation pathways.
The tragedy unfolded on November 26th at an eight-tower residential complex housing over 4,600 occupants. The inferno propagated rapidly through buildings encased in bamboo scaffolding and protective mesh, creating a perfect storm of fire hazards. Firefighting operations have concluded after extensive efforts, with twelve firefighters sustaining injuries during the rescue mission, one critically.
Hong Kong law enforcement has taken three individuals into custody—two directors and one engineering consultant from the construction firm—on suspicion of manslaughter related to the incident. Superintendent Eileen Chung of the Hong Kong Police confirmed the arrests as investigations continue into the circumstances that led to one of the territory’s worst civilian disasters.
The nationwide safety drive represents a proactive measure to prevent similar tragedies across China’s urban landscapes, where rapid construction and renovation projects have sometimes outpaced safety protocol implementation. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing systemic safety vulnerabilities in densely populated residential structures.