Hong Kong Fire Tragedy: 55 Dead, 300 Missing as Blaze Continues; Under-Construction Homes Face Safety Scrutiny
Image Source: Internet
A devastating 24-hour fire at a Hong Kong housing complex has claimed at least 55 lives, with hundreds more feared missing. The blaze, considered the city's worst since 1996, has left three buildings still ablaze, with many residents trapped on upper floors. In a shocking turn of events, three senior engineers from a local firm have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, sparking concerns over high-rise housing safety. As rescue efforts continue, authorities have announced a city-wide inspection of all under-construction housing estates to check for potential fire hazards. The move comes after officials discovered unusual fire accelerants, including highly flammable foam boards, and burned plastic sheeting on the exterior of some buildings. The Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which houses around 5,000 people, was built in the 1980s as government-subsidized housing. The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of elderly residents, with many seen rushing out in wheelchairs as the fire broke out. The incident has raised red flags over the safety of high-rise homes and the need for urgent reforms to prevent similar disasters in the future.
