Hong Kong's Deadliest Blaze in Decades
Firefighters in Hong Kong continued their desperate battle against intense flames at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district on Thursday, in what has become the territory's most devastating fire incident for over sixty years. The death toll has tragically risen to 44 people, with authorities confirming that 45 individuals remain in critical condition in hospital.
Police Point to Gross Negligence
Hong Kong police have taken the significant step of arresting three employees from the construction company carrying out renovation work at the site, alleging gross negligence contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Superintendent Eileen Chung stated that unsafe scaffolding materials and protective coverings that may not meet fire standards are believed to be key factors in the tragedy.
The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly engulfed multiple towers within the complex of eight 31-storey buildings that house approximately 4,800 residents. By Thursday afternoon, the fire had largely burned out, but firefighters continued operations in three blocks while dealing with extreme heat and dense smoke that hampered rescue efforts.
Construction Practices Under Scrutiny
Authorities have identified the registered contractor as Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, whose offices were searched by police on Thursday. The investigation focuses on the use of bamboo scaffolding covered with plastic and protective mesh that may have accelerated the fire's spread, alongside foam sealing materials found on windows.
This tragic event has drawn immediate comparisons to London's Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017, where 72 people lost their lives due to flammable cladding. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee emphasised that rescue operations remain the absolute priority, while confirming that 279 residents remain uncontactable and approximately 900 have been accommodated in emergency shelters.
Local residents watched in horror as the disaster unfolded, with many expressing anguish over missing neighbours and family members. The Tai Po district authorities have established casualty hotlines and shelter facilities, while several political events related to upcoming elections have been cancelled as the community comes to terms with this profound tragedy.
