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HONG KONG — The death toll from the devastating fire that tore through a high-rise residential complex in the city’s Tai Po district has tragically climbed to at least 55 people, making it one of Hong Kong’s deadliest blazes in decades.
Rescue operations are ongoing at the Wang Fuk Court estate, where the massive fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly spread across seven of the complex’s eight towers. Authorities have confirmed that more than 250 residents remain unaccounted for, fueling fears that the final casualty figure could rise significantly.
Rapid Spread Blamed on Construction Materials
The fire, which was ultimately classified as a No. 5 alarm—the highest severity level—was observed to spread with “unusual” speed. Preliminary investigations suggest that the bamboo scaffolding and certain construction materials, including netting and foam, used during ongoing building maintenance may have fueled the uncontrollable spread of the flames.
Fire Services Department officials noted that high temperatures and thick smoke severely hindered initial rescue efforts, with fire crews struggling to reach upper-floor residents trapped in the burning towers. A firefighter was among the confirmed fatalities after losing contact with his team.
Police Arrest Three on Manslaughter Suspicion
In a significant development, police announced the arrest of three men from a construction company associated with the maintenance work at the estate. The men, including two directors and an engineering consultant, were detained on suspicion of manslaughter following allegations of “gross negligence” that may have allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably. Police have since searched the company’s offices, seizing documents for evidence.
Residents Flee to Shelters
The inferno forced the evacuation of over 900 residents, many of whom are elderly, to temporary shelters opened in the district. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene as bright flames shot out of windows and sections of burning scaffolding collapsed to the ground, with many residents reporting that their windows were sealed due to the construction, preventing them from noticing or escaping the fire immediately.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has ordered an urgent, comprehensive inspection of all public housing estates currently undergoing major renovations across the city to prevent a similar disaster.
[Newsroom article is original. Facts are honestly sourced and rephrased from South China Morning Post (SCMP), The Standard, Oriental Daily News,Reuters, Associated Press (AP), The New York Times, BBC News & others. No text copied.]
