Fire officials in Hong Kong are close to completing search and rescue efforts following a fire at a highrise apartment complex that resulted in at least 94 fatalities. Over 70 individuals, including 11 firefighters, were injured in the blaze, marking it as one of the deadliest in the city’s recent history. Rescuers equipped with flashlights are navigating through the charred towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po district, located near the border with mainland China. Firefighters are still addressing a few remaining apartments and ensuring all units across the seven towers are thoroughly checked for any potential further casualties. Authorities anticipate fully extinguishing the fire within the next few hours.
Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of the Fire Services Department, stated that the firefighting operation is nearing completion, with efforts focused on preventing any rekindling of debris and embers. The ongoing search and rescue operation is the next priority. The exact number of missing or trapped individuals remains uncertain, with reports indicating a loss of contact with 279 people early Thursday.
Rescue teams are meticulously combing through the darkened apartments, with visible flames in some windows of the complex, now a charred ruin. The fire, suspected to have originated from bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, spread across seven of the eight buildings within the complex. While fires in four buildings have been successfully extinguished, authorities have the remaining three towers under control.
Wong Ka-wing, deputy director of fire services, emphasized the challenging conditions faced by rescuers due to high temperatures, as they methodically conduct floor-by-floor searches for survivors. Tragically, one firefighter is among the deceased, with approximately 900 individuals evacuated to temporary shelters. The incident has led to the arrest of three individuals associated with a construction company on manslaughter charges, as authorities investigate potential negligence in the building’s renovation process.
Concerns have been raised regarding the fire resistance standards of materials used on the exterior walls, facilitating the rapid spread of the flames. Authorities also discovered flammable Styrofoam attached to windows, further complicating the investigation. The fire safety expert highlighted the unusual nature of the incident, noting that fires typically do not spread beyond the building of origin.
The housing complex, housing nearly 4,800 residents across eight buildings, had been undergoing significant renovation and construction work. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences for the lives lost and emphasized the importance of minimizing casualties. This tragic incident stands as one of the deadliest fires Hong Kong has witnessed in recent decades.