[November 27, 1:50 a.m.] John Lee expressed his gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by leaders of neighboring cities and various organizations. As the fires are gradually being brought under control, with no visible embers in several areas and only sporadic embers remaining in others, he believes they can be brought under control with more time. He also expressed his appreciation to Hong Kong’s dedicated firefighters.
[November 27, 1:46 a.m.] More than 20 fire trucks and personnel were dispatched to the building to fight the blaze.
[November 27, 1:40 a.m.] During the firefighting efforts, firefighters discovered that the protective netting, fireproof fabric, and plastic sheeting on the building’s exterior walls spread much more rapidly and violently than materials that met the building standards, which they described as “unusual.” They also noted that some windows on unaffected exterior walls had foam panels attached to the ventilation areas; these panels expand easily when heated, which is also unusual. Director Tang Ping-keung indicated that the investigation would proceed to file criminal charges.
[November 27, 1:37 a.m.] Mak Mei-kuen: The Home Affairs Department has opened eight shelters and mobilized care teams from all 18 districts of Hong Kong to provide support to citizens in need. The teams will assist affected residents with arranging temporary accommodation.
[November 27, 1:30 a.m.] Lo Chung-mau: Most of the injured suffered respiratory trauma from inhalation and required hospitalization in the ICU; some also suffered burns or carbon monoxide poisoning in confined spaces.
[November 27, 1:26 a.m.] The Police and Fire Department have formed a special task force to investigate the incident, which will be presented to the Magistrates’ Court. The materials on the exterior scaffolding will also be inspected to determine if they meet fire safety standards.
[November 27, 1:26 a.m.] John Lee: The government will fully support this rescue operation with all available resources. All government departments and units have been instructed to carry out multifaceted work, with the main tasks being extinguishing the fire, rescuing trapped residents, caring for the injured, and providing post-disaster support. A thorough investigation will be conducted.
The Hospital Authority has activated its Major Incident Centre, coordinating the preparedness of nine hospitals. Staff from various departments at Nethersole Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and North District Hospital are on standby for the rescue operations. North District Hospital has dispatched a medical team, and Prince of Wales Hospital has sent a medical control officer to the scene to triage patients and provide emergency treatment. The burn centers at Queen Mary Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, as well as the East District Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Centre, are ready to receive anyone needing treatment at any time.
[November 27, 1:22 a.m.] The fire is gradually being brought under control. Currently, three buildings are no longer visible from the outside, while four buildings still have sporadic flames.
[November 27, 1:18 a.m.] John Lee expressed his deep sadness, stating that the fire has so far resulted in 36 deaths, 279 missing persons, and 29 hospitalized, including 7 in critical condition. Lee indicated that the fire department is gradually bringing the situation under control thanks to the continued efforts of firefighters, and the Director of Fire Services has determined that there is sufficient staff and capacity to control the fire.
[November 27, 00:44] A level 5 fire broke out at the Hung Fuk Courthouse in Tai Po. Media reports show that babies were rescued. By midnight, the fire had resulted in 13 deaths and 33 injuries. Among the injured, 7 are in critical condition, 13 in serious condition, 8 stable, 4 discharged, and the condition of 1 is unknown.
The critically injured are being treated at the following hospitals: 1 at Kwong Wah Hospital, 2 at North District Hospital, 3 at Prince of Wales Hospital, and 1 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The seriously injured are being treated at the following hospitals: 3 at Tai Po Nethersole Hospital, 2 at North District Hospital, 1 at Princess Margaret Hospital, 3 at Prince of Wales Hospital, 3 at East District Hospital, and 1 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
