‘I am devastated’, said Jason Kong, a resident of Wang Fuk Court, reflecting the somber mood in Hong Kong's Tai Po district following a catastrophic fire that erupted on Wednesday. The inferno, which is believed to have claimed at least 44 lives, has left the community grappling with loss and confusion, as authorities search for over a hundred missing individuals.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as flames engulfed multiple blocks in the residential complex. 'When you get closer, the heat rises and you can feel it,' remarked Thomas Liu, a student who witnessed the fire. 'It's a disaster,' he added, after witnessing emergency responders carry away victims.
Authorities are currently investigating the fire's cause, with early findings suggesting that construction materials, including flammable mesh and plastic sheeting, played a role in the rapid spread of the blaze. Three construction executives have been arrested in connection with the tragedy as questions about building safety heightsen.
More than a thousand residents were forced to evacuate and seek refuge in local centers set up to assist those affected. Many remain in limbo, awaiting news of loved ones trapped inside. 'Many people sent us WhatsApp messages, saying they still have relatives inside or can't find them,' said Mui Siu-fung, a district councillor.
Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s emergency response. Critiques have surfaced questioning why aerial firefighting resources were not deployed to tackle the flames quicker. 'The community is so close to the fire station, and we thought the fire could be put out soon,' lamented one resident, highlighting the frustration felt across the community.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and ensuring a thorough examination of safety standards to prevent such a disaster from recurring in the future. 'We don’t want to see any more casualties,' said a resident reflecting the collective hope for accountability and change.
