At least 55 people have died and hundreds remain unaccounted for, after a massive fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. Authorities believe “gross negligence” during renovation work triggered the blaze, with three construction-company officials already arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Emergency declared as fire rages through towers
The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon and continued to burn for more than 24 hours, the worst such disaster in the city’s recent history. Flames, thick smoke and high winds complicated rescue efforts as the fire spread rapidly through the 31-storey towers, many wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and protective mesh.
Police allege the renovations at Wang Fuk Court involved flammable materials and unsafe sealing of windows with foam, factors they say caused the fire to spread uncontrollably. Two company directors and one engineering consultant have been arrested; the company has been identified in reports as the firm carrying out maintenance work on the estate.
Residents search for loved ones amid mounting toll
Survivors and displaced residents described shock and despair as the death toll rose. One resident said all her belongings, and her home, were lost. Another, standing outside a temporary shelter, appealed for news of her missing daughter. Emergency services and shelters are stretched as hundreds remain uncontactable.
The tragedy has sparked public outrage over building safety standards, especially the ongoing use of bamboo scaffolding and cheap renovation materials. The Hong Kong government announced it will immediately inspect all under-repair housing estates, while pledging to speed up both rescue operations and investigations into potential corruption and negligence.
Sources: AP News, Reuters