Hong Kong’s worst fire in nearly 80 years kills 94, injures 76, with scores missing. Blaze at Wang Fuk Court prompts corruption probe and safety review.
HONG KONG: The death toll from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has risen to at least 94 people.
Authorities confirmed the blaze at Wang Fuk Court apartment complex was almost entirely extinguished by Friday.
Rescuers continued searching torched high-rise buildings for scores of people still listed as missing.
The fire had been contained to just four of the sprawling complex’s nearly 2,000 units over 24 hours after it began.
At least 76 people were injured in the blaze, including 11 firefighters.
Scores remain missing, though the exact number hasn’t been updated since early Thursday.
An AFP reporter observed the fire had weakened significantly but sparks and thick smoke still occasionally burst from the structure.
Firefighters continued dousing the building with water to cool the structure and prevent re-ignition.
Authorities launched investigations into what sparked the financial hub’s worst fire in almost 80 years.
Investigators are examining bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the structures during major renovations.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption body initiated a probe into renovation work at the complex.
Police arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site.
Residents reported not hearing any fire alarms and having to alert neighbours door-to-door.
“The fire spread so quickly,” said a man surnamed Suen. “I saw one hose trying to save several buildings, and I felt it was far too slow.”
Of the 94 confirmed dead, one was a 37-year-old firefighter and two were Indonesian migrant domestic workers.
This represents Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948 when an explosion and fire killed 135 people.
City leader John Lee said earlier that 279 people were unaccounted for, though firefighters made contact with some since.
At least 12 survivors remained in critical condition, with hospital authorities describing 28 others as “serious.”
Police showed photos of bodies to people seeking missing loved ones at a nearby community centre.
“If the faces are unrecognisable, there are personal items for people to identify,” said a woman surnamed Cheung.
Hong Kong authorities will immediately inspect all housing estates undergoing major work following the disaster.
The city’s number-two official Eric Chan said it was “imperative to expedite the full transition to metal scaffolding.”
The government established a HK$300 million (USD 38.5 million) fund to help fire victims.
Authorities opened nine shelters and organized temporary accommodation for those who lost homes.
Activities around Hong Kong’s legislative elections scheduled for December 7 have been suspended.
Sections of charred scaffolding fell from burning apartment blocks in dramatic scenes Wednesday night.
Flames inside apartments sometimes belched out through windows into an orange-glowing night sky.
Fire services said wind and drifting debris likely spread the fire from one building to another.
Some evacuated residents from adjacent blocks were allowed back into their homes Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers gathered near the complex to organize aid for displaced residents and firefighters.
“It’s truly touching,” said Stone Ngai, 38, an organizer of an impromptu aid station. “The spirit of Hong Kong people is that when one is in trouble, everyone lends support.” – AFP
