A devastating fire in Hong Kong has claimed at least 83 lives, marking the territory's deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years and triggering a major safety review of construction practices. The inferno, which tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Taipo on Wednesday, has left hundreds more listed as missing and dozens injured, with rescue efforts continuing amidst the smouldering ruins.
A Tragedy Unfolds in Taipo
The catastrophe began when flames erupted on the external scaffolding of a 32-storey tower within the Wang Fuk Court estate. Fuelled by windy conditions, the fire rapidly engulfed the bamboo scaffolding and construction netting before penetrating the building's interior and leaping to neighbouring high-rises. Of the eight residential towers in the complex, seven were caught in the blaze, forcing the evacuation of 900 residents to temporary shelters overnight.
Rescue operations have been severely hampered by the extreme heat still radiating from the buildings, with crews struggling to access the structures despite the fire being declared "basically under control" by Chief Executive John Lee. Rescuers are meticulously scouring the charred remains in a desperate search for further survivors.
Gross Negligence and Arrests
Hong Kong police have moved swiftly, arresting three individuals connected to the construction firm responsible for the building's maintenance. Those detained include two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction. Police Superintendent Eileen Chung stated authorities have "reason to believe that the company’s responsible parties were grossly negligent."
The investigation zeroes in on the building materials used. Police confirmed that the exterior walls were covered with protective nets, membranes, waterproof tarpaulins, and plastic sheets suspected of failing to meet fire safety standards. In a raid on the company's office, authorities seized bidding documents, employee lists, 14 computers, and three mobile phones as part of their investigation.
Scaffolding Scrutiny and Heroic Sacrifice
The disaster has cast a harsh spotlight on the widespread use of bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong's construction industry, a decades-long tradition now under intense scrutiny. The blaze was exacerbated when sections of the bamboo lattice, consumed by flames, crashed to the ground. In response, Chief Executive John Lee revealed that his development bureau has already met with industry representatives to discuss replacing bamboo with metal alternatives.
Amidst the tragedy, stories of heroism have emerged. Firefighter Ho Wai Ho, 37, lost his life while courageously rescuing residents. The nine-year veteran of the Fire Services Department, stationed at the Sha Tin station, was found collapsed at the scene and later succumbed to his injuries at Prince of Wales Hospital. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung paid tribute to his "valiant" performance and "selfless devotion to duty." Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both expressed their condolences.
For the displaced residents, the aftermath is one of anguish and uncertainty. The government is providing 1,000 units of youth hostels or hotel rooms for up to two weeks. At a temporary shelter set up in a nearby school, one distraught woman, surnamed Ng, embodied the personal tragedies, clutching her daughter's graduation photo as she searched for her missing child and husband, sobbing, "They didn’t have water to save our building."
