Hong Kong fire toll increases to 94 in city's deadiest blaze in decades; several still missing

Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades has claimed 94 lives, with several individuals still missing. The inferno, which ravaged a residential building, has prompted investigations into renovation materials and contracts. Residents reported a lack of alarms as the blaze spread rapidly, leading to widespread devastation and a city-wide response.

The death toll from a deadly blaze in a residential building in Hong Kong increased to 94 on Friday, even as the city reeled from its worst inferno in decades, with several people still reported missing, according to Chinese news agency Xinhua's estimates.

Hong Kong authorities had said on Thursday that at least 83 people had been confirmed dead in what has become the financial hub's deadliest fire since 1948. Firefighters continued to scour the torched high-rise complex in Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court, where flames were still visible in some of the nearly 2,000 units more than 24 hours after the blaze broke out.

Officials earlier said the inferno had been extinguished in four of the eight apartment blocks and brought under control in three others, with one building remaining unaffected.

Hong Kong records its worst fire tradegy in 80 years

The blaze — Hong Kong's worst in almost 80 years — triggered a probe into whether bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the structures for estate-wide renovation work had played a role in accelerating the spread of flames.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption body also launched an investigation into the renovation contracts, hours after police said they had arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the site.

Residents said they did not hear alarms when the fire erupted. “The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to save several buildings, and I felt it was far too slow,” a man surnamed Suen told AFP. “Ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, alerting the neighbours, telling them to leave — that's what the situation was like,” he said.

City leader John Lee had said early Thursday that 279 people were unaccounted for, though firefighters later made contact with some of them. Authorities have not publicly updated the figure.

At a nearby community centre, police showed photographs of bodies pulled from the fire to families searching for missing relatives. “If the faces are unrecognisable, there are personal items for people to identify,” said a woman surnamed Cheung. “I cannot describe my feelings. There were children... I cannot describe it.”

A government spokesperson told AFP on Thursday evening that among those hospitalised, 12 were in critical condition, 29 serious and 17 stable.

Ground response, public grief and Beijing's support

The scale of devastation prompted the Hong Kong government to order immediate inspections of all housing estates undergoing major works. The city's number-two official Eric Chan said it was “imperative to expedite the full transition to metal scaffolding”, adding that authorities would work closely with the construction industry.

Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed condolences to the victims, according to state media, while the Hong Kong government said Beijing would assist with drones, medical supplies and other support. Nine shelters were opened for displaced residents, and emergency funds and temporary accommodation were arranged.

The tragedy also led to the suspension of activities related to Hong Kong's legislative elections, scheduled for December 7.

Late on Wednesday, flames had belched out of windows and sections of charred scaffolding collapsed in “hellish scenes”, authorities said, noting that strong winds and drifting debris likely carried the fire from one building to the next.

By Thursday afternoon, residents in some adjacent blocks who had been evacuated were allowed to return home. Meanwhile, crowds gathered near the complex to donate supplies for survivors and firefighters. Volunteers distributed clothes, food and flyers with information on missing people.

“It's truly touching,” said Stone Ngai, 38, one of the aid organisers. “The spirit of Hong Kong people is that when one is in trouble, everyone lends support... It shows that Hong Kong people are full of love.”

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Source: EconomicTimes
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