The massive blaze at the Wang Fuk Court high-rise housing complex in the suburban Tai Po district of Hong Kong continues to challenge rescue workers, marking what is believed to be the territory’s worst fire in decades. The confirmed death toll has tragically climbed to 44, including a 37-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty.
The Ongoing Rescue and Suspected Cause
While the fire has been contained in four buildings within the complex, smoke was still seen billowing from three other structures on Thursday, hampering rescue efforts for those trapped. Officials believe most of the approximately 300 missing people are trapped on the upper floors.
- Rescue Challenges: Rescue operations are being made extremely challenging by the intense heat, thick smoke, and the danger of falling debris and scaffolding. Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Chan noted the debris poses an “additional danger” to frontline personnel.
- Suspected Cause: News agency Reuters reported that the fire was likely caused by unsafe scaffolding and foam materials used during ongoing maintenance work.
Arrests and Allegations of Gross Negligence
In connection with the fire, three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police officials have pointed to the construction materials and practices as the cause of the fire’s uncontrollable spread.
- “Unusual” Fire Spread: Secretary for Security Chris Tang called the blaze “unusual,” explaining that exterior materials like “protective netting, fire-resistant cloth and plastic sheeting” burned far more intensely and spread much faster than compliant materials normally would.
- Police Findings: Hong Kong police superintendent Eileen Chung revealed that windows on a nearby, unaffected building were found sealed with foam by a construction company conducting maintenance work. Chung stated: “We have reason to believe that the company’s responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties.”
The fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which is home to around 5,000 residents.
Chinese President Xi Jinping Reacts
The scale of the disaster prompted a reaction from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who urged Hong Kong authorities and rescue workers to “make every effort” to extinguish the blaze and expressed condolences. State broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi Jinping offering condolences for those who died, specifically mentioning the firefighter who perished during rescue operations at the apartment complex.