Fire officials in Hong Kong are close to completing search and rescue efforts at a high-rise apartment complex following a devastating blaze that claimed the lives of at least 94 individuals. The Fire Services Department of Hong Kong reported that over 70 people sustained injuries, including 11 firefighters, making this fire one of the deadliest incidents in the city’s recent history.
Teams of rescuers, equipped with flashlights, are meticulously combing through the charred towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district. Thick smoke continues to emanate from some windows of the densely populated complex, which houses thousands of residents near Hong Kong’s mainland border. Firefighters are currently focusing on a few remaining apartments and are diligently inspecting all units in the seven towers to ensure no additional casualties occur. Authorities anticipate fully extinguishing the blaze within the next few hours.
Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan from the Fire Services Department stated that the firefighting operation is nearing completion, with efforts now concentrated on preventing any potential resurgence of the fire. The search and rescue phase is now the primary focus for the teams on the ground.
The exact number of missing or trapped individuals remains uncertain. Hong Kong’s Leader, John Lee, mentioned losing contact with 279 people early in the incident. However, no updates were provided during subsequent briefings regarding the status of the missing individuals or the occupancy of the damaged buildings.
Video footage captured rescuers navigating through darkened apartments, with orange flames still visible in some windows despite the overall devastation of the complex. Firefighters have been battling the flames since the fire reportedly started in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, subsequently spreading across seven of the eight buildings in the complex. By Thursday afternoon, fires in four buildings had been successfully extinguished, with the remaining three towers under control.
Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions, navigating through high temperatures as they meticulously search each floor for any remaining survivors. One firefighter tragically lost their life during the operation, and around 900 individuals were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire have led to the arrest of three individuals associated with a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities suspect that non-compliant materials on the external walls of the buildings may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Additional scrutiny is being directed at the presence of flammable materials near the unaffected tower’s elevator lobby.
The fire incident has prompted discussions on safety regulations, with experts highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent fire spread between buildings. The tragedy has left hundreds unaccounted for, underscoring the urgent need for thorough investigations and enhanced safety protocols to prevent such calamities in the future.