(Image source from: Thenewsminute.com)
On Thursday, Hong Kong faced its deadliest fire in 70 years, with the number of casualties from a huge fire at seven tall residential buildings in Tai Po rising to 94. Firefighters worked for a second day to control the raging flames on the upper levels, while rescue teams kept on rescuing people from smoke-filled hallways and burned apartments. Over 280 individuals were still missing, and officials warned that this number might increase, as many residents were believed to be trapped in the 32-story structures undergoing extensive renovations. The fire has left at least 76 people hurt, overwhelmed emergency services, and led to an extensive criminal investigation into safety issues at the subsidized housing complex. The fire started on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a place built in 1983, housing almost 4,600 people across eight towers, most of which were covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh for renovations. Authorities confirmed 94 deaths, including a firefighter, marking it as the worst fire tragedy in Hong Kong in seven decades. Teams were still searching through smoke-filled floors Thursday night.
More than 280 residents were still missing, with officials indicating that the list of missing people could change as they worked to match evacuation records and apartment information. A total of 76 victims sustained injuries from the fire, with 15 in critical condition and 28 in serious condition. Emergency rooms continuously received patients suffering from smoke inhalation and burns. The Hong Kong fire department sent out 304 fire trucks and rescue vehicles, utilizing drones to locate heat areas in the scaffolding to avoid flare-ups and to assist rescue teams in accessing the towers. Early reports from the police suggested that the quickly spreading fire was largely due to flammable materials used for renovation, like styrofoam sheets found covering lift openings on all levels. Investigators also noted that the outer mesh and coverings used during the renovation did not adhere to fire safety regulations, which likely worsened the fire's rapid ascent.
Three people, including two directors and a consultant from the company in charge of the renovations, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as the investigation expanded. The Hong Kong government revealed a relief fund of HKD 300 million (USD 43 million) and relocated hundreds of displaced residents to temporary housing. Chief Executive John Lee ordered immediate safety inspections at all public housing developments undergoing significant renovations. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his sympathy, calling for full efforts to extinguish the fire, rescue those trapped, and provide support for affected families.
