Select Language:
Multiple high-rise apartments in Hong Kong caught fire, resulting in at least 55 deaths and nearly 300 people reported missing. The blaze, which started in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, appears to have been caused by a construction company that allegedly used unsafe materials—an act described by police as “grossly negligent.” Efforts to reach residents trapped on the upper floors have been hampered by severe heat and dense smoke, even more than 24 hours after the fire ignited. The densely packed complex in Tai Po features eight blocks with over 2,000 apartments housing more than 4,600 residents, many of whom are struggling with the ongoing crisis.
A resident named Wan, age 51, expressed devastation, noting they’ve lost everything in the fire and questioning what is left for them. Ng, a 52-year-old woman, was distraught while searching for her daughter outside a shelter, tearfully recounting how her family still hasn’t been able to reunite. Video from the scene showed flames emanating from two of the towers, which were covered in green safety mesh and bamboo scaffolding. Despite the efforts, the fire remains active, with authorities managing to control four of the seven affected buildings.
Bamboo scaffolding, a traditional Chinese construction method, has been increasingly phased out in Hong Kong for safety reasons, but it remains in use, especially during ongoing renovations. Authorities raided the management company’s offices and seized documents mentioning the complex, though the company hasn’t responded publicly. Police have arrested three individuals—two directors and an engineering consultant—for manslaughter, suspecting gross negligence contributed to the disaster.
Investigations revealed that some building windows had been sealed with foam during maintenance, possibly worsening the fire’s spread. Among the casualties, a firefighter is confirmed dead, and over 50 others are hospitalized in critical condition. Almost 280 individuals remain unaccounted for. The incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948, when a warehouse blaze claimed 176 lives.
People from Indonesia working on-site have reported two fatalities and two injuries. Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation, including into possible corruption related to the building’s renovation. The fire has drawn comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster in London, which was also linked to flammable exterior cladding and regulatory failures. Many residents and observers have criticized cost-cutting measures and negligence that may have contributed to this tragedy.
President Xi Jinping of China has called for an “all-out effort” to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties. Road closures, bus reroutes, and school shutdowns are in effect while the response continues. The complex has been undergoing renovations costing around HK$330 million (roughly $42 million), with residents paying significant amounts for upgrades. The incident has prompted wide public outrage and demands for accountability.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
