A significant fire broke out on Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong, resulting in at least 128 fatalities and numerous critical injuries. The blaze, which lasted over a day, has prompted questions regarding the rapid spread of the fire and potential negligence in building safety standards. Authorities indicated that substandard mesh and plastic materials used on the windows of the buildings could have contributed to the fire’s intensity.
Efforts to manage the fire have concluded, but many residents remain unaccounted for. In connection with the incident, three individuals involved in the renovation work have been arrested for manslaughter, and a corruption investigation is underway. Local residents have raised concerns about the fire alarms, which reportedly did not activate, with some stating they had been disabled during renovation activities.
Built in the 1980s, Wang Fuk Court consists of eight 31-storey buildings, with seven suffering damage from the fire. Approximately 4,600 residents lived in the estate, many of whom are elderly. Firefighters faced numerous challenges during rescue operations, including extreme temperatures and structural risks exacerbated by the building’s design, which featured crowded interiors common to Hong Kong’s public housing.
As investigations continue into the fire and its causes, the city has ordered inspections of all housing estates undergoing significant repairs to evaluate compliance with safety standards. This incident marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in over six decades, surpassing a previous event in 1962 that resulted in 44 deaths. Questions are being raised about renovation practices and whether they prioritize safety over cost.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8e5j20g27o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss