A catastrophic fire has torn through residential high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, claiming at least 44 lives and leaving hundreds more unaccounted for in one of the territory's deadliest blazes in recent memory.
Emergency Response and Rescue Challenges
The inferno broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district, rapidly consuming seven buildings covered in highly flammable bamboo scaffolding. Nearly 280 people remained unreachable or trapped by nightfall as nearly 800 firefighters and 57 ambulances battled the flames.
Fire crews faced immense challenges combating the blaze, with Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Services, reporting that intense heat and falling debris prevented rescue teams from entering the buildings. "The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high," he stated. "It's difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations."
Victims and Arrests Made
Among the confirmed fatalities was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who collapsed after losing contact with his team during rescue operations. Director of fire services Andy Yeung described Ho as a "dedicated" and "gallant" firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In a significant development, police have arrested three construction executives, aged between 52 and 68, on suspicion of murder in connection with the fire. The buildings, erected in 1983, were undergoing renovations at the time the fire started on external scaffolding that was reportedly soon to be removed over safety concerns.
The blaze was upgraded to level 5 severity, the highest classification, marking the first time in 17 years that Hong Kong has faced a fire of this magnitude. Officials confirmed that at least 45 people remain in critical condition in local hospitals.
Community Impact and Investigation
The devastating fire has displaced approximately 700 residents who have been moved to temporary shelters, while six local schools will remain closed on Thursday as the fire continues to rage. The Wang Fuk Court complex is home to some 4,600 people across its 32-storey towers.
Residents reported that fire alarms failed to sound, potentially delaying evacuation efforts. Lo Hiu-fung, a Tai Po District Council member, expressed particular concern for elderly residents believed to be among those still trapped.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has extended his condolences to the victims and called for an all-out effort from emergency services. Fire officials expect the inferno will not be fully under control until the end of Thursday, with winds continuing to fan flames between the affected buildings.
The tragedy has highlighted ongoing safety concerns regarding Hong Kong's continued use of bamboo scaffolding, one of the last places in the world still employing this traditional construction method.
