Hong Kong’s chief executive, John Lee, has provided updates on the tragic fire incident that occurred in a densely populated high-rise residential complex in the Tai Po suburb of the New Territories. According to Lee, 36 individuals have lost their lives in the fire, while 279 people are still reported missing. Additionally, 29 individuals are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
The fire, which commenced at a housing complex in Tai Po, has been stated by Lee to be “under control” as of shortly past midnight. Approximately 700 individuals have been evacuated to temporary shelters, as confirmed by officials.
The blaze was initially reported in the mid-afternoon and escalated to a Level 5 alarm, denoting the most severe level of intensity, as per the fire department. Derek Armstrong Chan, the deputy director of Hong Kong’s fire services, highlighted the significant challenges faced by firefighters, including extreme temperatures and falling debris and scaffolding.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but officials have indicated that it began at the external scaffolding of one building before spreading to adjacent structures, possibly exacerbated by windy conditions. The Fire Services Department received numerous calls for assistance, with some residents remaining trapped as of Wednesday night local time.
Video footage from the scene depicted multiple buildings engulfed in flames, with firefighters diligently working to contain the inferno using ladder trucks. The Wang Fuk housing complex, established in 1983, comprises eight housing blocks with nearly 2,000 apartments accommodating around 4,800 residents.
Tragically, among the deceased is a firefighter, while another is being treated for heat exhaustion, as reported by Fire Services Department Director Andy Yeung. A significant emergency response effort saw the deployment of 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances to the site.
Local council member Lo Hiu-fung mentioned that the majority of those trapped in the fire are believed to be elderly residents. Reflecting on the devastating loss, a resident named Wu expressed his frustration, stating, “I’ve given up thinking about my property.”
The Tai Po district, located in the northern part of Hong Kong near the border with Shenzhen, is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic incident. Bamboo scaffolding, a common feature in Hong Kong’s construction projects, has raised safety concerns, prompting the government to initiate its phase-out for public projects earlier this year.
