Amanze Chinonye
Hong Kong authorities are investigating one of the city’s deadliest residential fires in decades after a massive blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, killing at least 55 people and leaving around 279 residents unaccounted for, officials said.
Rescue operations continued into Thursday as firefighters worked to reach people trapped on upper floors.
The fire erupted Wednesday afternoon on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower and quickly spread to seven of the eight buildings in the complex, home to nearly 4,800 residents across about 2,000 apartments, including many elderly occupants. Bamboo scaffolding and plastic construction netting, installed during a year-long HK$330 million renovation, are believed to have fueled the rapid spread, alongside flammable Styrofoam materials placed near windows by a construction firm.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOfficials reported that 40 of the fatalities were declared at the scene, while dozens more suffered burns and smoke inhalation, with at least 62 hospitalized. A 37-year-old firefighter was among those killed, and another was treated for heat exhaustion. Temporary shelters have been set up for roughly 900 displaced residents, while roads and bus routes in the area remain closed.
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Authorities arrested three men aged 52 to 68, including two company directors and an engineering consultant, on suspicion of manslaughter, citing “gross negligence” in the renovation work that contributed to the fire’s scale.
Police said the fire’s unusual speed was partly due to materials that did not meet fire-resistance standards, and investigators have launched a probe into possible corruption linked to the renovation.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the government will prioritize the disaster response and temporarily suspend public campaigning for the Dec. 7 Legislative Council elections, though he did not confirm whether elections would be delayed. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to victims’ families and called for an “all-out effort” to minimize casualties.
Residents described scenes of chaos and loss.
The blaze, which started mid-afternoon and persisted into the next day, was upgraded to a level 5 alarm, the highest severity level, as fire crews struggled with extreme heat and falling debris. Firefighters deployed over 200 vehicles and 100 ambulances, aiming water at flames from high ladder trucks. Fire chiefs described conditions as extremely hazardous, with high temperatures inside the buildings and unstable scaffolding hampering rescue efforts.
By Thursday morning, the fire had been brought under control in four of the seven affected buildings, but operations continued in the remaining towers. Authorities cautioned that rescue and recovery remain challenging and that casualty figures could evolve as firefighters continue to search for missing residents.
The tragedy marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948 and is being compared to international disasters such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London. Authorities have urged families to report missing residents, while emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
