Firefighters in Hong Kong fought for a second consecutive day on Thursday to contain one of the city's deadliest blazes in modern history. The fire, which engulfed a residential complex in the Tai Po district, has resulted in at least 44 fatalities and left dozens injured, casting a grim shadow over the community.
A Rapidly Spreading Inferno
The disaster began on Wednesday afternoon, with flames erupting from the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower within the Wang Fuk Court complex. Fueled by windy conditions, the fire spread with alarming speed across the bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, eventually reaching the interior of the building and leaping to neighbouring towers. By Thursday, the blaze had blackened seven of the complex's eight buildings.
Deputy Director of Fire Service Operations, Derek Armstrong Chan, described the immense challenges faced by crews. He noted that the extreme temperatures inside the buildings made it difficult for firefighters to enter and conduct rescue operations effectively. Water was directed at the intense flames from ladder trucks in a desperate battle to gain control.
Arrests and Suspected Negligence
In a significant development, police arrested three men connected to a construction company overseeing renovations at the complex. The individuals, identified as directors and an engineering consultant, were taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter. Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung stated that authorities believe those in charge were grossly negligent.
While police did not initially name the company, The Associated Press confirmed that Prestige Construction & Engineering Company was in charge of the renovation project. Police subsequently searched the company's office, seizing boxes of documents as evidence.
Investigators are focusing on materials used on the exterior walls, suspecting they did not meet fire resistance standards, which contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Authorities also discovered highly flammable Styrofoam attached to windows in one tower, believed to have been installed by the construction firm, though its purpose remains unclear. Secretary for Security Chris Tang pledged a thorough investigation into the materials involved.
Community Impact and Ongoing Rescues
The human cost of the tragedy continues to mount. Among the 44 confirmed dead was one firefighter. At least 62 people suffered injuries, primarily from burns and smoke inhalation. The Wang Fuk Court complex, built in the 1980s, houses nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents, including a significant number of elderly individuals.
About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters. Hong Kong leader John Lee reported that contact was lost with 279 people as of midnight, with rescue efforts continuing through Thursday. The emotional toll was palpable among survivors. Resident Lawrence Lee recounted how his wife was forced back into their apartment by impenetrable smoke in the corridors, leaving her trapped as he waited for news at a shelter.
Other residents, like Winter and Sandy Chung, described a terrifying escape with sparks flying around them. The 75-year-old Winter Chung told the AP, "I couldn't sleep the entire night," echoing the anxiety felt by many.
In response to the disaster, the government has prioritized relief efforts and halted promotion for the upcoming Legislative Council elections. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences for the fallen firefighter and sympathy for the victims' families, while urging all efforts to minimize casualties. This fire now stands as the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1996, when a blaze in Kowloon claimed 41 lives.
