3 arrested in Hong Kong, as a high-rise fire leaves at least 44 dead and 279 reported missing. Image credit: Chan Long Hei
(The Post News)- On Wednesday, a horrific fire tore through a large apartment complex. The complex was in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The fire left hundreds injured or missing and at least 44 dead, including one firefighter. The city’s deadliest fire in years, according to officials, has raised serious concerns about building safety procedures. It has also sparked worries about the materials used in Hong Kong’s crowded urban environment.
Around midday on Wednesday, Wang Fuk Court caught fire. This is an eight-building complex with approximately 2,000 apartments. It has an estimated 4,800 occupants. Flames raced up the outside of the high-rise skyscrapers. The fire rapidly intensified to a Level 5 alarm. This is the highest intensity on Hong Kong’s five-tier scale.
The Rapid Spread
The main cause of the fire’s devastating pace, according to authorities, is external construction materials. Investigators discovered extremely flammable items wrapped around the buildings. These included foam insulation sheets, construction netting, and bamboo scaffolding. The complex was undergoing significant repairs at the time.
“We found that the material covering the building walls caused flames to spread much faster. This spread was quicker than would occur with materials that meet safety standards,” said Security Secretary Chris Tang.
A “vertical fire” that spread too quickly for many residents to flee was reported by fire officials. Derek Armstrong Chan, Deputy Director of Fire Services Operations, observed the enormous challenges faced by rescuers. “The buildings in question have extremely high temperatures.” He noted the difficulty in accessing the building. They also struggle to travel upstairs to conduct rescue and firefighting operations.
Casualties and Response
44 people had died as of Thursday morning. Officials are attempting to establish contact with the 279 other people who were reported missing. 16 of the 56 individuals who were sent to hospitals are still in critical condition.
With more than 800 emergency personnel and more than 140 firefighting vehicles deployed, the rescue effort has been enormous. Approximately 900 people from two nearby complexes and the impacted buildings were evacuated and placed in temporary shelters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep condolences. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also expressed his sympathies. They both urged all-out efforts to minimize casualties and loss.
Suspected Negligence and Arrests
A criminal investigation was soon launched in response to the incident. Three construction workers two managers and a consultant engineer have been detained by police on suspicion of manslaughter.
Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung Lai-yee stated, “We have reason to believe the individuals at the company acted with gross negligence.” She stated that this negligence caused the fire to spread quickly. It led to many fatalities. The discovery of flammable foam boards outside elevator lobby windows is a substance thought to have intensified the fire. This is the precise reason for the arrests.
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