Hong Kong Apartment Fire Death Toll Hits 128, Officials Warn of Increase
The tragic fire at a Hong Kong apartment complex has now resulted in a death toll of 128, with an alarming 200 individuals reported missing. Firefighters battled the flames for 42 hours before gaining control of the blaze that started on a Friday in the Tai Po district.
Fire Details and Injuries
According to Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang, the fire injured at least 79 people. The situation remains critical as the authorities continue to search for the missing. “The death toll could rise further,” Tang warned, highlighting concerns about unidentified bodies.
Background of the Incident
This incident marks one of the most devastating fires in Hong Kong’s recent history, a city known for its robust public safety standards. Many displaced residents and survivors are grappling with the aftermath, spending their third night in temporary shelters and anxiously awaiting news of their missing loved ones.
Investigation into the Cause
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities suspect it began on the lower floors of Wang Cheong House, part of the Wang Fuk Court complex, which houses over 4,000 residents, many of whom are elderly. Currently, renovations were underway at the complex, with all eight towers wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and protective meshing.
- The fire reportedly ignited polystyrene boards found blocking some windows, which were under construction.
- High temperatures caused windows to shatter, allowing fire to spread rapidly indoors.
- Extreme conditions were faced by firefighters, with temperatures surpassing 500 degrees Celsius (930 degrees Fahrenheit).
Safety Violations and Alarm Failures
Inspections revealed that fire alarms in all buildings of the complex were non-functional at the time of the blaze. Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung noted that residents had previously reported the alarm systems did not alert them during the fire.
Future Actions
Authorities are expected to evaluate the construction company’s role in these safety violations. The police investigation will take around three to four weeks to understand why the fire escalated so dramatically from one building to several others. As the situation evolves, residents and officials alike hope for answers and increased safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
