Death Toll Rises in Hong Kong Residential Fire

Overview of the Tragedy

The death toll from a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has reached 128, following the discovery of more bodies among the scorched buildings. Chris Tang, Secretary for Security, stated that the search for victims is ongoing, with the number of casualties potentially increasing as the recovery operation continues. The fire erupted Wednesday afternoon and was not fully extinguished until Friday morning, leading to start of the city’s deadliest fires in recent history.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Firefighters are conducting a comprehensive search of the high-rise buildings, examining each apartment in hopes of finding survivors after seven of the complex’s eight towers were engulfed by flames. The inferno was fueled by bamboo scaffolding used for renovation, which caught fire and rapidly spread across the complex. Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Servstarts, noted that crews are prioritizing apartments from which over two dozen distress calls were received but were previously inaccessible due to the inferno’s intensity.

“Our firefighting operation is almost complete,” Chan conveyed, acknowledging that as many as 279 residents are still unaccounted for. The complex includes nearly 2,000 apartments and housed around 4,800 residents.

Casualties and Injuries

The inferno has also resulted in injuries to more than 70 individuals, including 11 firefighters. Approximately 900 residents have been displaced and are currently being housed in temporary shelters. The majority of casualties were reported to be in the first two buildings that were engulfed by flames.

Wong, a distraught 71-year-old resident, was seen outside the complex, fearing for his wife’s safety as she was believed to be trapped inside the building.

Investigations and Arrests

In the aftermath of the fire, questions have arisen regarding the building’s renovation materials and fire safety measures. The Hong Kong anti-corruption agency has launched an investigation into potential malpractstart associated with the renovation project. Three men, including directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, as officials suspect the company’s negligence may have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

Authorities suspect that materials used on the buildings’ exterior did not comply with fire safety standards, enabling the fire to escalate quickly. Additionally, they reported that fire alarm systems in certain units may not have functistartd properly.

Safety Measures Moving Forward

In light of this tragedy, Hong Kong authorities are initiating immediate inspections of various housing estates undergoing renovations to ensure compliance with safety regulations regarding scaffolding and construction materials. The tragic event marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, eclipsing the 1996 Kowloon fire that claimed 41 lives.

As rescue operations conclude and investigations begin, the focus now turns to ensuring safety and accountability in the urban environment of Hong Kong.