A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed at least 44 lives, with 279 others still missing. The blaze erupted at the Wang Fuk Court public housing estate, leaving widespread destruction across seven residential blocks.
The fire began on Wednesday afternoon and raged for more than 18 hours. Thick smoke and intense flames tore through scaffolding, spreading rapidly across the estate. Authorities classified the fire as a level five incident, the highest severity rating in Hong Kong.
Over 800 firefighters were deployed to battle the inferno. Despite their efforts, 45 people are reported to be in critical condition in hospitals. Emergency teams rescued numerous residents trapped inside the burning buildings, some found unconscious or suffering severe burns.
Investigators are examining the cause of the fire. Initial findings suggest flammable construction materials, including mesh and plastic sheets, may have fueled the rapid spread. Following these findings, three executives from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, visited the scene and a nearby community hall, expressing deep concern over the tragedy. Chinese President Xi Jinping also offered condolences, urging authorities to minimize further casualties and damage.
The fire was first reported at 2:51 pm on Wednesday and escalated quickly. It initially triggered a level one alarm but was raised to level four and finally to level five by the evening. Footage from the scene showed bamboo scaffolding engulfed in flames, with burning mesh and sections collapsing onto the ground.
Authorities continue to search for the hundreds still missing, while firefighting and rescue operations remain ongoing. The tragedy has drawn international attention, highlighting the risks associated with construction materials in densely populated urban areas.
In other news read more about Japan Faces Dual Pressures After Kumamoto Earthquake And Diplomatic Tensions
This catastrophic fire in Hong Kong serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations and rapid emergency response in preventing large-scale disasters.
