Deadly Fire in Hong Kong: At Least 36 Dead, Hundreds Missing
A catastrophic fire has engulfed high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in at least 36 deaths and hundreds of missing persons. The blaze, which escalated to a No. 5 alarm, prompting emergency responders to mobilize extensively. Chief Executive John Lee addressed the crisis at a press conference, stating that 279 people remain missing and 29 have been hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. Authorities have established a dedicated investigation team to determine the cause of the disaster.
The fire, which was reported to have started at the Wang Fuk Court around 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, quickly escalated, prompting the Fire Services Department to activate the most severe rating in Hong Kong. Emergency services, including the police and fire department, launched a coordinated effort to contain the blaze and rescue those trapped. Photos from the scene showed the bamboo scaffolding of the towers engulfed in flames, with thick, dark smoke pouring out of multiple floors. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire, with one man photographed in visible distress, saying his wife was trapped inside.
John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, said at a press conference that the government has set up a dedicated investigation team to investigate the cause of the fire. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the number of missing persons is staggering. The Fire Services Department confirmed that nine people were taken to the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and the Prince of Wales Hospital, highlighting the severity of the injuries sustained.
Tang Ping-keung, the secretary for security, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, particularly the firefighter who died while battling the blaze. He offered condolences to the family of the deceased firefighter. Residents have reported that the fire alarms failed to activate during the blaze, even though the buildings were equipped with them. This has led to heightened concerns about fire safety protocols and emergency response systems in the area.
Residents like Chan Kwong-tak, an 83-year-old retiree, shared their experiences, noting that the alarms did not sound when the fire broke out. This lack of warning, combined with the initial detection of smoke, left many residents without sufficient time to evacuate. Herman Yiu Kwan-ho, a former district councillor, also highlighted that residents were only warned when a security guard knocked on their doors, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, temporary shelters have been set up for displaced individuals at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Community Hall. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for improved fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in Hong Kong.