ASIATODAY.ID, HONG KONG – A massive blaze that swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has become one of the city’s deadliest urban disasters in nearly two decades.
At least 44 people are confirmed dead, while 279 residents remain unaccounted for, authorities said early Thursday.
The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon, starting on the external bamboo scaffolding surrounding the 31-storey buildings undergoing renovation. Fueled by strong winds and construction netting, the flames rapidly penetrated the residential blocks and spread to adjacent towers—home to nearly 5,000 people.
Firefighting Operations Continue Through the Night
More than 800 firefighters and paramedics, supported by over 120 fire engines, have been battling the blaze for more than 15 hours. Officials report that extreme temperatures, falling debris, and collapsing scaffolding have severely complicated the response.
Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department has classified the incident as a Level Five alarm, the highest severity rating. This is the city’s first Level Five fire in 17 years.
A 37-year-old firefighter died in the line of duty, and several others are being treated for heat exhaustion. Rescuers managed to save a baby and an elderly woman in dramatic late-night operations.
Families Desperate for News as Hundreds Remain Missing
Evacuated residents described chaos and disbelief as the fire spread “within seconds.” More than 1,000 people have taken shelter in temporary facilities, while many continue searching for missing family members.
“I’m devastated,” said one resident who was unable to return to his flat to rescue his dog. “The fire spread so fast. I don’t know what’s happening to my neighbours.”
Arrests Made as Investigation Widens
Hong Kong police have arrested three construction company executives—two directors and a consultant—on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter.
Investigators found polystyrene boards blocking windows and suspect that substandard materials contributed to the unusually fast spread of the fire.
Authorities have launched a joint investigation with the housing and buildings departments to examine whether the complex’s fire-retardant systems and scaffolding materials complied with safety regulations.
“The speed of the fire’s spread was highly unusual,” Security Secretary Chris Tang said. “A blaze of this scale should not have engulfed the buildings so quickly.”
City in Mourning as Emergency Support Expands
Hong Kong officials have made 1,400 temporary housing units available for displaced residents, with 280 of them located within Tai Po. More families are expected to be relocated over the next 24 hours as rescue efforts continue.
Images from the scene show flames still burning in several blocks as dawn breaks over the city, with firefighters working to bring the blaze fully under control.
The final death toll is expected to rise as search teams continue combing the charred buildings. (AT Network)
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