The tragic fire at a Hong Kong apartment complex has become one of the deadliest incidents in the city's history, with the number of fatalities now rising to 128. Officials have reported that as many as 200 people remain missing, prompting a massive and ongoing rescue operation. This devastating incident unfolded over a harrowing 42-hour period, during which firefighters battled to bring the inferno under control.
According to Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, at least 79 individuals were injured in this catastrophic blaze. The fire rapidly spread through multiple buildings within a public housing estate located in the Tai Po neighborhood. During a press conference, Tang emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that the death toll could potentially rise further as authorities continue to investigate the fate of approximately 200 missing individuals.
The fire has sent shockwaves through Hong Kong, a city known for its strong public safety standards and construction regulations. Displaced residents and survivors, many of whom have been forced to spend a third night in temporary shelters, are grappling with the aftermath of this disaster. Families are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones, fearing they may be among those who perished in the flames.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, and a thorough police investigation is underway. This investigation aims to clarify how the blaze escalated from a single apartment unit to a widespread fire affecting multiple buildings. Authorities expect that this inquiry will take approximately three to four weeks to complete.
Preliminary reports suggest that the initial fire ignited on the lower floors of Wang Cheong House, which is part of the Wang Fuk Court complex, comprising eight towers. This densely populated area housed over 4,000 residents, many of whom were elderly. At the time of the fire, the complex was undergoing renovations, and all eight towers were enveloped in bamboo scaffolding and protective green meshing.
Investigators discovered that flammable polystyrene boards, bearing the name of the construction company, were found obstructing some windows of the complex. Tang explained that these materials ignited the mesh nets, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly across various floors and buildings. He noted that once the polystyrene caught fire, the extreme heat caused windows to shatter, further exacerbating the situation by allowing flames to engulf indoor spaces.
The conditions faced by firefighters and residents inside the building were dire, with reported temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Celsius (or 930 degrees Fahrenheit). Compounding the challenges, some units reignited even after firefighters had extinguished the flames. During inspections following the incident, officials discovered that fire alarms in all eight buildings were non-functional. Although it is unclear if the alarm system was operational during the fire, residents reported that the alarm did not activate when the blaze began.
In light of these findings, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung stated that law enforcement actions will be taken against responsible parties. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and justice following this unprecedented tragedy.