At least 36 people were confirmed dead and 279 were still missing on Wednesday after a massive fire swept through high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, marking the city’s deadliest fire in 30 years, according to authorities.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, continued to send flames and thick smoke through the 32-story towers of Wang Fuk Court. Rescuers rushed to the scene as stunned residents watched from a distance.
Authorities said the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
However, they noted that flammable green construction netting and bamboo scaffolding — materials the government began phasing out in March due to safety concerns — helped fuel its spread.
Firefighters battled intense heat as they worked through the night to reach the upper floors of the eight-block housing complex, which contains 2,000 residential units.
A 71-year-old resident, identified only by the last name Wong, cried as he said his wife was still inside.
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Among the deceased was a firefighter. Hong Kong leader John Lee told reporters that 29 people had been hospitalized and about 900 residents remained in temporary shelters.
“The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue trapped residents. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we will launch a thorough investigation,” Lee said.
Long-time resident Harry Cheung, 66, who has lived in Block Two for more than four decades, said he heard a loud noise at around 2:45 pm (06:45 GMT) before seeing flames erupt in a nearby block.
“I immediately went back to packing my things,” he said.
“I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight because I probably won’t be able to come home.”
(Reuters)
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