Tragedy: Fire Devastates Hong Kong Housing Complex, Killing Over 30 and Leaving Hundreds Missing
A catastrophic fire has claimed at least 36 lives and left hundreds missing after engulfing high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m., has triggered an immediate government response, with officials confirming the formation of a dedicated investigation team to determine the cause of the blaze.
John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, addressed the press conference, stating that 279 people are missing and 29 people have been hospitalized, including seven in critical condition. He also mentioned that the police and Fire Services Department have already set up a dedicated team to investigate the cause of the fire.
According to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, the fire was upgraded to a No. 5 alarm, the most severe rating in the territory, by 6:22 p.m. Nine people were taken to the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and the Prince of Wales Hospital. Tang Ping-keung, the secretary for security, reported that one firefighter died after sustaining injuries while battling the blaze, expressing his profound grief for the loss of life.
Residents who were trapped in the buildings, including an 83-year-old retiree, reported that the fire alarms failed to go off, despite the buildings being equipped with them. Herman Yiu Kwan-ho, Tai Po’s former district councillor, noted that people only realized the fire when a security guard knocked on their doors, providing little time to escape. The Tai Po District Office has opened temporary shelters at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Community Hall.
Photos from the scene showed the bamboo scaffolding of the towers engulfed in flames, with thick, dark smoke pouring out of multiple floors. Firefighters were working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, with one man photographed in visible distress, expressing concern for his wife who was trapped inside. The incident has sparked widespread concern about safety and emergency response protocols in high-rise residential areas.
As the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, officials have emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of fire safety measures and emergency procedures. The tragedy has deeply impacted the community, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of life and the ongoing search for missing persons.