TAI PO, Hong Kong: A huge fire continued to burn on Thursday in a Hong Kong apartment complex and claimed at least 44 lives. The blaze also left nearly 300 people missing as rescue teams fought intense heat and thick smoke. The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon inside the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po. Firefighters worked through the night but faced major obstacles due to the building’s height and heavy smoke. The complex contains eight blocks with 2,000 apartments that house more than 4,600 residents.
Authorities said they brought the fire under control in four blocks by Thursday morning. However, operations continued in three blocks where flames remained active. Video footage from the site showed rising flames on at least two towers. Smoke billowed into the sky as firefighters struggled to reach upper floors.
Unsafe Scaffolding May Have Spread the Fire
Police said unsafe scaffolding and foam materials may have accelerated the spread of the fire. The towers were covered with bamboo scaffolding and green mesh sheets that may not meet safety standards. Investigators also found sealed windows on an unaffected building. Workers had installed foam material during maintenance work. Police said the construction company acted with gross negligence. Hong Kong police superintendent Eileen Chung said the negligence allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably and caused major casualties.
Police arrested three men from the construction company on suspicion of manslaughter. They included two directors and one engineering consultant. Hong Kong has been phasing out bamboo scaffolding and mesh materials since March because of safety concerns.
Deadliest Hong Kong Fire in Decades
The fire killed a firefighter among the 44 victims. Police said 45 people remained in critical condition in hospitals. The death toll marked the deadliest Hong Kong fire since 1948, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon blaze. The tragedy drew comparisons to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster.
Leaders Express Concern and Support
Hong Kong leader John Lee said the priority is rescue and support for the injured. He vowed a thorough investigation once the fire is extinguished. Officials said 279 people remained uncontactable while 900 stayed in temporary shelters. Many residents described their fear and uncertainty as the fire continued to burn.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He offered condolences to President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with China during this difficult time.
