Firefighters are currently conducting search operations for hundreds of individuals missing after a large fire affected several high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong. The incident, which occurred at Wang Fuk Court, resulted in at least 65 fatalities, marking it as the city’s deadliest fire in over 70 years. The residential complex, which housed thousands of residents, was reportedly undergoing extensive renovations at the time of the incident.
While the precise cause of the fire remains undetermined, police have indicated that construction materials on the exterior of the buildings could have contributed to its rapid spread. In connection with the fire, three executives from a construction company have been arrested on charges of manslaughter and gross negligence. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, has promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.
The blaze, which affected seven of the eight towers in the Tai Po district, began at approximately 14:51 local time on Wednesday. By 18:22 local time, officials had classified the fire as a level five emergency, the highest rating. Among the deceased was a firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who was reported missing and later found at the scene. Additionally, ten firefighters sustained injuries during the incident, and rescue efforts have so far led to the recovery of 55 individuals.
Questions are emerging regarding the fire alarm systems; some residents reported that alarms were not triggered, allegedly due to them being turned off during renovations. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about building materials used, which may not meet fire safety standards. An investigation by Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption is set to determine potential misconduct regarding these renovations.
Wang Fuk Court, constructed in 1983, accommodates nearly 4,600 residents, with a significant portion being elderly. China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences to the victims and emphasized the need for continued efforts to manage the situation. Hong Kong’s most devastating fire prior to this incident occurred in 1948, resulting in 176 deaths.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n3enz9klo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss