Hong Kong Fire Catastrophe Claims 128 Lives as Search Operations Intensify

Post by : Raina Nasser

Hong Kong has reported a tragic increase in fatalities from its worst fire in nearly 80 years, now standing at 128, while around 200 individuals are still unaccounted for following a colossal blaze that ravaged the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po. Authorities confirmed on Friday the conclusion of rescue missions, yet the search for missing individuals persists as families await updates with growing despair.

The inferno erupted on Wednesday afternoon within the eight-tower housing estate, which houses over 4,600 residents. Extensive bamboo scaffolding and protective mesh, due to ongoing renovations, facilitated the rapid spread of flames across numerous towers. This catastrophe is now recognized as Hong Kong’s most lethal fire since 1948.

Reports indicate that 79 individuals have been injured, including 12 firefighters, with one firefighter in critical condition requiring immediate medical attention. Rescue teams faced severe challenges from thick smoke, intense heat, and collapsing scaffolding as they worked around the clock to reach those trapped on upper levels.

Authorities disclosed that fire alarms within the buildings were malfunctioning at the time of the disaster. Three officials from the construction firm in charge of the renovation have been arrested on manslaughter charges for employing unsafe, combustible materials, which included foam boards obstructing windows and exacerbating the fire's spread.

Desperate families have been seeking news of their loved ones. Outside a temporary shelter, a mourning mother clutched her daughter’s graduation photo while waiting for updates, tearfully recalling the devastating moment when firefighters could not control the flames: “They didn’t provide enough water to save our building,” she lamented.

Most victims were found in two towers, although firefighters managed to rescue some survivors from various blocks. The Indonesian consulate has confirmed that two of the deceased were Indonesian domestic workers. Hong Kong is home to approximately 368,000 domestic helpers from low-income Asian countries, many residing in the high-rise buildings they serve.

The tragedy has drawn parallels to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which resulted in 72 fatalities. Both incidents have sparked debates around building materials, safety regulations, and governmental oversight. A police raid was conducted at the office of Prestige Construction, which had been performing maintenance for over a year, resulting in the seizure of documents, computers, and employee records as part of ongoing investigations.

In light of this calamity, Hong Kong's leadership has announced a HK$300 million relief fund aimed at assisting affected families, with several major Chinese companies also committing donations. Discussions are intensifying within the government regarding the potential phasing out of traditional bamboo scaffolding in favor of metal alternatives to enhance safety at construction sites.

As dusk settled on the second night post-disaster, many evacuees opted to sleep in a nearby shopping mall instead of designated shelters, hoping to leave space for families in greater need. Individuals wrapped in blankets fashioned makeshift bedding outside eateries and convenience stores. Volunteers distributed food, water, hygiene products, and warm clothing.

Known for its high-density residential buildings and soaring property prices, Hong Kong has long been under scrutiny concerning living conditions and urban safety. This disaster’s magnitude has exacerbated public outrage and may heighten discontent with authorities who are already facing criticism for stringent political and national security measures.

Both the Hong Kong government and China’s national leadership have promptly expressed concern, indicating the seriousness with which they regard this disaster and its potential ramifications for public trust.