Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades kills 55, with 250+ missing as firefighters battle blaze in housing estate with bamboo scaffolding
HONG KONG: Firefighters continued searching scorched high-rises on Thursday for over 250 missing people following Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district killed at least 55 people, including one firefighter, with flames still visible 24 hours after ignition.
Authorities launched investigations into the disaster’s cause, focusing on bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh surrounding the eight-building complex undergoing renovation.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption body initiated a probe into renovation work hours after police arrested three men for allegedly leaving foam packaging at the fire site.
Fire service officials confirmed extinguishing flames in four blocks and controlling fires in three others, while one building remained unaffected.
Multiple residents reported hearing no fire alarms, forcing them to alert neighbours door-to-door as the blaze spread rapidly through the 2,000-unit estate.
“The fire spread so quickly,” said resident Suen, observing inadequate firefighting resources initially. “I saw one hose trying to save several buildings.”
Spontaneous aid efforts emerged near the complex as crowds organized support for displaced residents and exhausted firefighters in the densely populated district.
“Hong Kong people are full of love,” said volunteer Stone Ngai, describing community solidarity during the tragedy.
Fire service director Andy Yeung confirmed 51 victims died at the scene while four succumbed in hospital, with the death toll expected to rise.
Displaced resident Wong Sik-kam described his shock after learning his firefighter son was deployed to the catastrophic blaze he initially thought was minor.
The deceased firefighter, 37, was found with facial burns half an hour after losing contact with colleagues during rescue operations.
A government spokesman said 61 people remained hospitalized, with 15 critical, 27 serious and 19 stable patients receiving treatment.
City leader John Lee announced 279 people were initially unaccounted for, though firefighters later contacted some missing individuals.
Lee confirmed over 900 people sought refuge at temporary shelters overnight following the disaster.
The Indonesian consulate identified two deceased Indonesians working as migrant domestic workers among the victims.
Charred scaffolding sections fell from burning blocks overnight as flames illuminated apartments with an eerie orange glow.
Deputy fire service director Derek Armstrong Chan acknowledged difficulties reaching some floors despite rescue requests due to extreme temperatures.
Wind and drifting debris likely spread the fire between buildings, though authorities continue investigating the exact cause.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to victims, including the firefighter who died on duty.
Residents from adjacent blocks evacuated as a precaution were permitted to return home on Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers distributed clothing and meals at a nearby mall podium while others circulated missing persons flyers.
Deadly fires were historically common in densely populated Hong Kong but became rare following improved safety measures in recent decades. – AFP
