Deadliest blaze in decades
At least 36 people were killed and 279 were reported missing on Wednesday after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than 30 years ripped through high-rise residential towers in the Tai Po district. The buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh, which helped fuel the flames. Hours after the blaze broke out, thick smoke continued to pour from the 32-storey Wang Fuk Court complex as rescue crews worked to reach trapped residents.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but authorities said the scaffolding has been under a gradual phase-out since March because of safety risks. Police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter, according to public broadcaster RTHK.
Hundreds feared trapped or missing
A firefighter was among the victims. Hong Kong leader John Lee said that 29 people were in hospital and around 900 residents were relocated to emergency shelters. “The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped,” Lee said. “Then, we’ll launch a thorough investigation.”
Fire crews said intense heat on upper floors made rescue operations difficult. Wang Fuk Court is home to around 2,000 apartments across eight towers. One resident, 71-year-old Mr. Wong, was in tears as he searched for his wife. “I don’t even know how I feel right now,” he said. “I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight.”
Scaffolding collapses as firefighters battle flames
Bamboo scaffolding and construction mesh collapsed from the exterior of the tower as the blaze spread. Dozens of fire engines and ambulances lined surrounding streets. Residents described hearing a loud explosion before flames erupted around mid-afternoon. Harry Cheung, 66, said he had lived in the complex for more than four decades and witnessed the fire break out in a neighboring block.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to make an “all-out” effort to contain the blaze and support survivors.
