A tragic fire broke out in the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong on the afternoon of [insert date]. Sadly, at last check, at least 44 people have been found dead, and 279 more are still missing. The fire began a little before 3 PM local time. In a matter of minutes, it engulfed the eight 32-storey towers of the residential complex, damaging or destroying an estimated 2,000 flats and about 4,800 residents’ homes.
The fire blew up quickly. This was the result of the bamboo scaffolding that had wrapped these buildings, which were in the process of being renovated over the course of the last year. Emergency managers told Storyful that they encountered mass chaos as black smoke poured from the buildings. Some 128 fire engines and nearly 800 firefighters responded to the scene to help quell the raging inferno. Very quickly they ran into significant problems getting to the upper floors of the high-rise buildings.
Fire officials have said that flames at four of the other affected residential buildings are no longer out of control. The fears are far from over for those who are still buried beneath, as the search and rescue efforts push on.
“The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we’ll launch a thorough investigation,” – John Lee, Hong Kong Chief Executive.
Meanwhile, the emergency response is still very much in full swing. More than 900 others remain evacuated to emergency shelters, with many still deeply concerned about both family members and homes. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as they escaped the area.
“I immediately went back to pack up my things,” one resident shared, reflecting on the urgency of their escape.
Another resident, Harry Cheung, expressed his uncertainty about the future: “I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight because I probably won’t be able to go back home.”
Hong Kong police are currently shelling the areas where they are trying to direct rescue efforts. They have since arrested three men aged 52 to 68 years on suspicion of manslaughter. The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing, fueled by both the immediate need for answers and the emotional toll on residents.
“There’s nothing that can be done about the property. We can only hope that everyone, no matter old or young, can return safely,” – So, a resident of Wang Fuk Court.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has demanded an “all-out effort” to put out the fire and reduce the number of deaths and losses. His statement underscores the national significance of this disaster as it unfolds in one of Hong Kong’s densely populated areas.
As rescue operations continue, families await updates on their loved ones and search for shelter from the chaos that overtook their community. The tragedy has placed an enormous number of people into shock and mourning in a beautiful city, already under considerable stress from the pandemic and other events.