The search and rescue operation following the massive blaze that tore through the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong is expected to conclude on Friday morning, as the confirmed death toll tragically climbed to at least 94. The disaster is now officially the city’s deadliest fire since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse blaze.
On Friday, around dawn, firefighters had mostly contained the fire, which engulfed seven of the complex’s eight residential towers in the northern district of Tai Po. The housing complex, home to over 4,600 people, was undergoing renovations and was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, materials which investigators believe contributed to the rapid, “unusual” spread of the flames.
Rescue Efforts Near Conclusion
Firefighters informed the public that the exhaustive search and rescue operation at the complex is expected to be complete by 9:00 AM local time on Friday. Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Chan stated that crews must “endeavour to effect forcible entry to all the units of the seven buildings, so as to ensure there are no other possible casualties.”
Rescuers have had to battle severe obstacles, including intense heat, thick smoke, and the constant danger of collapsing scaffolding, to reach trapped residents, many of whom were believed to be in the upper floors.
- Missing Persons Update: As of early Thursday morning, 279 people were listed as missing, although authorities have not updated this overall figure in over 24 hours. Deputy Fire Services Director Chan confirmed that 25 calls for help to the Fire Department are still unresolved and will be prioritized.
- Casualties: The 94 fatalities include one 37-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty during rescue operations.
Arrests for Gross Negligence
Authorities have taken swift action, confirming the arrest of three officials from the construction company, Prestige Construction, which was responsible for the renovation work.
- The Suspects: Two directors and an engineering consultant of the firm were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
- The Allegation: Police Superintendent Eileen Chung stated on Thursday: “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.” Police alleged the use of unsafe materials, including flammable foam boards blocking windows, and protective netting that failed to meet fire standards.
- Investigation: The police have raided the company’s office and seized essential documents and electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones.
In response to the tragedy, the city’s development bureau has indicated it will move to gradually replace traditional bamboo scaffolding with metal scaffolding as a crucial safety measure to mitigate the risk of similar disasters.