Timeline of Hong Kong tower block firepublished at 15:08 GMT
15:08 GMT
Emma Pengelly and Yi Ma
BBC Verify
We have been looking at social media footage, witness accounts and official statements to build a timeline of the deadly Hong Kong tower block fires. Here’s what we know so far:
Verified footage posted on the social platform Threads, captured the first visible signs of fire at the easternmost block of Wang Fuk Court yesterday. The user who uploaded the video said they noticed the flames at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT).
This aligns with the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD) statement, which reported receiving its first alert at the same time.
Within 10 minutes, a witness says they spot the first firefighters arriving as flames spread rapidly from the lower floors to several levels above.
Another video, which was filmed from a different angle, shows the fire then spread to the top of the block of flats.
By 16:10 a verified clip emerged on social media showing that the fire had spread to at least two other towers, producing thick smoke plumes.
Image source, Threads/@striking_biking
At 16:41 authorities confirmed the first fatality, a firefighter working to battle the flames.
HKFSD raised the incident to a Level 5 alarm, the highest danger classification in the city, at 18:22.
More than 24 hours after the fire began, new videos from the city shows that smoke and some fires remain active in parts of the complex.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee says the fire at all seven buildings is now “basically under control” but rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, HKFSD says the death toll has risen to 75 people, according to reports in local media.