A cigarette is now considered the most likely trigger of the devastating Hong Kong inferno that killed 168 people, as a formal inquiry examines the chain of events behind the city’s deadliest fire in decades.

At the opening of hearings into the tragedy, investigators outlined evidence suggesting that discarded cigarette materials ignited combustible items within a building shaft, setting off a rapidly spreading blaze.

Burned debris and cigarette remnants were reportedly found at the suspected origin point, indicating that smoking in a restricted area may have played a central role in the initial ignition.

The fire tore through a large residential complex in Tai Po in November 2025, engulfing multiple towers and resulting in catastrophic loss of life.

Authorities have confirmed that the disaster claimed 168 victims, ranging from infants to the elderly, making it the most severe fire incident in the city in decades.

While the cigarette has emerged as the leading explanation for how the blaze began, investigators stressed that no single factor can fully account for the scale of the disaster.

The inquiry heard that a combination of failures significantly intensified the fire’s spread and hindered escape efforts.

Among the most critical issues identified were inactive fire safety systems, including alarms and water hoses, as well as the presence of highly flammable materials used during ongoing building renovations.

External scaffolding wrapped in combustible netting created conditions that allowed flames to travel quickly between floors and across structures.

Blocked or altered escape routes further compounded the danger, with smoke and heat infiltrating stairwells that residents relied on to flee.

Investigators indicated that these conditions, combined with human and procedural lapses, led to a near-total breakdown of protective measures designed to safeguard residents.

The inquiry is also examining prior warnings about unsafe practices at the site, including reports of workers smoking and concerns over construction materials.

Questions have been raised about oversight and enforcement, particularly regarding whether earlier complaints were adequately investigated.

Authorities have made a series of arrests linked to the renovation works and related activities, as the probe continues into potential negligence and broader systemic issues.

The hearings are expected to explore both the immediate cause of the fire and the wider regulatory and safety framework surrounding construction and residential buildings.

For many families affected by the tragedy, the proceedings mark a critical step toward understanding how such a catastrophic event unfolded and what measures may be necessary to prevent a recurrence.