Hong Kong: A catastrophic fire engulfed a Hong Kong residential complex Wednesday, claiming at least 55 lives and leaving 279 people unaccounted for in the financial hub’s deadliest blaze in decades. Firefighters continued battling flames Thursday morning at the eight-building Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po district.
3 Arrested for Gross Negligence
Police announced Thursday they arrested three men in connection with the fire after flammable materials left during maintenance work caused the blaze “to spread rapidly beyond control.” Officers suspect the individuals “acted with gross negligence” by leaving foam packaging at the fire site.
Authorities searched premises in a separate neighborhood Thursday morning, removing documents related to the arrested individuals.
Rapid Spread Through Scaffolding
The inferno initially took hold on bamboo scaffolding covering several 31-story apartment blocks undergoing estate-wide repairs. The complex houses 2,000 apartments in one of the world’s most densely populated areas.
“The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didn’t know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours,” said 65-year-old resident Yuen, who lived in the complex for over four decades. “I’m devastated.”
Casualties and Hospital Treatment
Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter who was found with facial burns half an hour after losing contact with colleagues, according to fire service director Andy Yeung.
A government spokesman confirmed 56 people were receiving hospital treatment: 16 in critical condition, 24 in serious condition, and 16 stable. More than 900 people sought refuge at temporary shelters.
Rescue Challenges in Hong Kong Fire
“The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where we have been unable to reach people who requested help, but we will keep trying,” said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of fire service operations.
Chan indicated the fire likely spread between buildings due to wind and drifting debris, though authorities are investigating the exact cause.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to victims, “including the firefighter who died in the line of duty,” according to state media. City leader John Lee said he was “deeply saddened” and confirmed all government departments were assisting affected residents.
Deadly fires were once common in densely populated Hong Kong, particularly in poorer neighborhoods, though enhanced safety measures have significantly reduced such incidents in recent decades.
