Hong Kong Inferno: 36 Lives Lost, 29 Injured in Devastating Blaze at Wang Fuk Court
Image Source: Internet
A devastating fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving 29 people injured. The blaze, which raged for hours, marked the city's worst fire in years and has raised major concerns about safety measures. The fire, which started mid-afternoon, spread across seven high-rise buildings in the complex, which houses nearly 4,800 people. The victims included a 37-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty. Authorities confirmed that conditions remained 'very challenging' for firefighters, who were hindered by windy conditions and debris. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been sparked by bamboo scaffolding, which was being used during maintenance work at the complex. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but officials have identified the manner and extent of its spread. The fire led to a massive rescue operation, with hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics deployed to the scene. Evacuation efforts were extensive, with about 700 people taken to temporary shelters. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hong Kong's city leader, John Lee, expressed condolences to the victims and assured that all government departments were mobilised to assist residents affected by the fire. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of bamboo scaffolding, which is commonly used in Hong Kong's construction and renovation projects. The government had announced plans earlier this year to phase out the use of bamboo scaffolding for public projects, but it is unclear if the regulations were being followed in this case. Resident accounts reveal a chaotic and frightening scene, with many elderly residents unable to move quickly due to their age. 'I dare not leave' the scene until the fire was fully controlled, said one resident. Another resident expressed frustration, saying 'I have given up thinking about my property.' The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has expressed 'deep concern' over scaffolding-related fires, citing similar incidents in recent months. The government will likely face scrutiny over its safety measures and regulations in the wake of this devastating blaze.
