A significant fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulting in at least 36 confirmed deaths and hundreds of individuals reported missing. The incident, which began Wednesday afternoon, has led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents as the flames spread through the eight-block complex.
Thomas Liu, a student who witnessed the event, described the overwhelming heat and heavy smoke. He relayed accounts from friends and family who are still trying to locate relatives trapped inside. Local district councillor Mui Siu-fung confirmed that many residents are unaccounted for and still receiving urgent communications from family members.
Firefighters are attempting to control the blaze, which has progressed into individual apartments. However, officials have yet to provide a timeline for when the fire will be fully extinguished. Harry Cheung, a long-time resident, reported hearing loud noises before observing flames nearby, prompting him to quickly gather his belongings.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined but is suspected to be linked to bamboo scaffolding that was being used for renovations on the buildings. Concerns have arisen over emergency response measures; some residents, including Ms. Poon, criticized the authorities for not doing enough to contain the fire quickly and questioned the lack of aerial firefighting resources.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee stated that various government departments are working to assist those affected. Meanwhile, local residents have started donating supplies, including blankets and heat packs, to those displaced by the fire. Affected individuals expressed disappointment and worry about the uncertainty of their homes and safety.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgjnlx1g6yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss