Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: 75 Fatalities, Hundreds Missing, Investigation Underway
A significant fire involving multiple residential high-rise buildings in Hong Kong has resulted in at least 75 fatalities, marking the city's deadliest fire in over 70 years. The incident occurred at the Wang Fuk Court complex, a residential area for thousands. Firefighters are currently conducting search operations for hundreds of individuals who remain unaccounted for.
Incident Details
The fire, which is now largely under control, impacted seven of eight tower blocks in the Tai Po district. It began at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) on Wednesday, with flames and smoke visible across the city's skyline. By 18:22 local time, the fire was escalated to a level five, the highest category of severity.
Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, was found deceased at the scene after contact was lost. Eleven other firefighters sustained injuries, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Rescue efforts have been complicated by high temperatures, falling debris, and risks associated with collapsing scaffolding. To date, 55 individuals have been rescued. The Hong Kong fire service has reported 76 injuries, with over 270 people currently unaccounted for.
Investigation and Allegations
The affected tower blocks were undergoing extensive renovations at the time of the fire. The precise cause remains undetermined, though police have indicated that external materials on the buildings may have contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
- Three executives from the construction company involved in the renovations have been apprehended on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence.
- Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has pledged a comprehensive investigation.
- Residents have reported that some fire alarms were deactivated during renovation work, with construction personnel reportedly utilizing fire escapes for access.
- Concerns raised by residents last year regarding renovation fees and the compliance of materials with fire-safety standards have re-emerged.
- Police stated that non-fireproof mesh and plastic sheets, along with polystyrene, were observed on the buildings' exteriors and windows, potentially accelerating the blaze.
- A police spokesperson noted that there is reason to believe company management was grossly negligent, leading to the uncontrolled spread of the fire and significant casualties.
- The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong has initiated a criminal investigation into the renovation works.
Professor Jiang Liming, a fire safety expert at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, suggested that the bamboo scaffolding connecting the apartment blocks might have contributed to the fire's progression. Bamboo scaffolding is a common construction practice in Hong Kong. Chief Executive Lee has mandated inspections of all housing estates undergoing major repairs to assess the safety of scaffolding and building materials. The government is also reportedly considering a review of bamboo scaffolding usage and potential replacement with metal frameworks.