In brief
A massive fire caused widespread destruction in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court housing complex. With at least 36 confirmed fatalities and many still missing, residents share their heart-wrenching experiences as emergency services continue to battle the blaze. The cause remains undetermined, but rapid spread through construction scaffolding raises safety concerns.
When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy.Student Thomas Liu was one of many drawn to the scene of a deadly fire that tore through the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. At least 36 people have died, with hundreds still missing and expected to rise. The cause of the inferno remains unknown.It's a disaster, Thomas recounted, having witnessed a body being carried away. Mui Siu-fung, a local councillor, mentioned that many residents have been desperately trying to reach loved ones trapped inside.The inferno forced over a thousand people to evacuate as they sought refuge in emergency centers. Although the fire is gradually being contained, officials cannot predict when it will be fully extinguished, with flames visible from many apartments where residents looked on in shock.Among the residents is 66-year-old Harry Cheung, who expressed his despair after hearing a loud noise signaling the fire's outbreak. He frantically packed his belongings, contemplating where he would sleep that night.Witness accounts reveal emotional turmoil, with residents like 65-year-old Jason Kong receiving calls from trapped neighbors. I am devastated. There are so many neighbors and friends. I hope the government can help us to settle down after this, he lamented. Concerns have emerged regarding the rapid spread of the fire, attributed to bamboo scaffolding used for renovations, raising questions about safety protocols. Anger ensued as residents criticized the firefighting response, pointing out inadequate measures compared to wildfire management.Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee assured that government departments are assisting affected residents, but many express feelings of incompetence and heartbreak within the community. We don't want to see any more casualties, one resident poignantly stated.
