On Friday (28 November), firefighters in Hong Kong concluded rescue operations following a massive blaze that destroyed seven of the eight 32-storey residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po.
Sadly, many did not make it out alive. The fire broke out around 2:50 PM on Wednesday (26 November), and after 43 hours of rescue efforts, the official death toll has reached 128 people, including a firefighter who died in the line of duty. The blaze was fully extinguished on Friday morning, but more than 200 people remain missing.
For now, many survivors are left staring at the smoldering ruins of what were once their homes.
“That’s where my home was, but it’s gone now.”
Ms Yu, one of the affected residents, broke down as she watched the flames consume her apartment on the 10th floor. Speaking to the media, Yu said she has accepted that her home is gone and recalled the good times the community shared before the tragedy.
What pains Yu even more is the uncertainty surrounding the fate of her neighbors, many of whom remain missing, according to Reuters.
“Our life was a happy one, going to work each day, coming home, and greeting our neighbours. But now, those neighbours can’t be found anymore.”
Meanwhile, many survivors have been placed in temporary shelters, while others sought refuge in shopping malls before the fire was extinguished. Authorities are now arranging for victims to move into temporary housing, according to Hong Kong media.
Considered the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in more than 70 years
The tragedy has sparked calls for a full independent investigation and a review of building and renovation safety regulations. It has also triggered major political and social concerns over construction safety, accountability, and enforcement, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The buildings were under renovation before the fire started, and scaffolding, protective netting, and plastic sheeting used in the process appear to have been highly flammable.
Stay tuned for more updates.
