A deadly Hong Kong fire has claimed at least 83 lives, including a firefighter, and injured more than 70 people, according to the South China Morning Post.

Among the injured are 10 firefighters, while 62 people remain trapped inside the affected buildings. The fire broke out around noon on Wednesday and was among the worst high-rise fires in the city's history.

The blaze erupted in a complex consisting of seven buildings and more than 1,900 apartments, home to an estimated 4,000 residents. Authorities stated the fire spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding installed on the exterior as part of ongoing renovation work.

Authorities cited the bamboo scaffolding and foam plastic materials on the buildings’ windows as key contributors to the rapid spread.

“We have reason to believe that the individuals responsible at the company were grossly negligent, which caused the fire to spread quickly and led to many fatalities," said Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung Lai-yee.

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Three detained

Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang said initial investigations highlighted the use of non-compliant materials.

“We found that the material covering the building walls, the netting around the scaffolding, and the waterproof tarpaulin caused flames to spread much faster than would occur with materials that meet safety standards,” he noted.

Police detained three individuals, two managers and a consulting engineer from the construction company, on suspicion of manslaughter.

Emergency response, evacuations

For the first time in 17 years, Hong Kong issued a level-5 fire alarm, the highest on its scale. More than 140 firefighting vehicles and over 800 emergency and fire personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Nearby, two housing complexes were evacuated, and around 900 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters at eight emergency facilities.

The Transportation Department also announced road closures in the area due to ongoing firefighting efforts.

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Leadership responds with support measures

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed sorrow over the lives lost and offered condolences to the victims’ families. He convened an emergency Cabinet meeting to coordinate the response and announced a HK$300 million (approximately $38.5 million) fund to support displaced residents.

Chinese President Xi Jinping offered condolences and directed the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office to assist local authorities in their ongoing efforts.