- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 29 Nov 2025 03:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hong Kong Fire: After Hong Kong recorded one of the worst fire tragedies in its recent history, investigators are now examining whether a viral video showing a worker smoking moments before the inferno may be connected to the disaster that killed at least 128 people.
Officials, however, have stressed that the clip circulating online is not verified and that the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Viral Video Sparks Questions
The controversy erupted after a video posted by RT India showed workers standing near the outer wall of Wang Fuk Court, one of the eight towers undergoing extensive renovation with one of them visibly smoking. The footage, captioned “Shocking Footage Shows Workers Smoking Near Outer Wall Just Moments Before Blaze,” led to widespread speculation that a discarded cigarette may have lit the initial spark.
Authorities have not endorsed the claim. Hong Kong’s Security Secretary Chris Tang said on Friday that investigators are “examining all possibilities,” but emphasised that there is no conclusive evidence linking a cigarette to the outbreak.
🤯 Shocking Footage Shows Workers Smoking Near Outer Wall Just Moments Before Blaze Engulfed Wang Fu Court In Hong Kong https://t.co/j5Vc9UkqOP pic.twitter.com/lz6U9NoXic
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) November 28, 2025
How Blaze Spread So Fast
Initial assessments suggest the fire may have ignited on the lower floors where bamboo scaffolding and plastic protective netting were installed for repair works. These materials, along with foam boards and polystyrene panels placed around windows, acted as fuel, causing the flames to shoot upward across seven high-rise blocks within minutes.
By the time emergency responders reached the site, multiple floors were engulfed. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 24 hours. At least one firefighter lost his life in the attempt. Residents reported that no fire alarms rang in any of the eight towers. Many said they were alerted only by neighbours banging on doors, long after smoke had begun to fill the hallways.
Arrests And Widening Corruption Probe
The deadly scale of destruction has brought the renovation project under scrutiny. Authorities initially arrested three men, including the directors and a consultant from the construction company on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence.
On Friday, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) widened the probe and detained eight more individuals, including scaffolding subcontractors, engineering consultants and an intermediary. Investigators are now looking into possible corruption, use of non-compliant materials, and falsified safety certificates.
Emails published earlier by local media show residents had warned officials as early as 2024 about flammable materials being used on scaffolding. These warnings were reportedly dismissed despite visible risks.
Hong Kong has entered a three-day period of official mourning. Nearly 900 residents have been placed in temporary shelters after losing their homes in the blaze. Around 200 people remain unaccounted for, and authorities caution that the death toll may rise as identification continues.