The residents of Hong Kong are in shock following a devastating fire that obliterated a significant part of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po. At least 44 individuals have tragically lost their lives, and authorities have detained three construction company executives amid investigations suggesting that highly flammable materials may have accelerated the fire's spread.
Eyewitness Thomas Liu described the scene, saying, When you get closer, the heat rises, and you can feel it, and the smoke is really heavy. He was among the crowd that gathered around the complex, hoping for news of missing loved ones. Local councillor Mui Siu-fung detailed distressing communications from residents anxiously awaiting news of relatives who remained unaccounted for.
As the inferno spread, over a thousand people were evacuated, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters. Although fire control measures were implemented, officials reported that the blaze remained uncontrolled, leaving families to witness their homes being consumed by flames.
Harry Cheung, a long-term resident of the complex, expressed his devastation: I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight. Many residents echoed a sentiment of helplessness, highlighting a perceived lack of adequate response from authorities as they sought solace and support.
Criticism over the management of the fire has surfaced, with residents questioning why aerial support was not deployed. The community is so close to the fire station, and we thought the fire could be extinguished quickly, but now the fire has spread. I'm so disappointed, lamented Ms. Poon, a resident, voicing concerns over governmental preparedness.
The Hong Kong chief executive, John Lee, confirmed that government agencies are mobilizing to provide assistance to those impacted by the fire, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident.
