By: The Trek News Desk
Hong Kong authorities have confirmed that the city’s most catastrophic blaze in decades has left 128 people dead, while nearly 200 residents remain missing.
Officials announced on Friday that all firefighting and rescue efforts have officially ended, bringing a three-day emergency operation to a close.
Security chief Chris Tang stated that the situation at the residential complex is now under control and no further large-scale rescue operations are planned.
Massive Fire Engulfs Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court Estate
The fire broke out at the sprawling Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, which comprises eight high-rise towers and is home to more than 4,600 residents.
The complex was encased in bamboo scaffolding and green safety netting due to ongoing renovation work, conditions that allowed the flames to spread rapidly through the structure.
The Fire Services Department reported that by 10:18 am (02:18 GMT) on Friday, the blaze was “almost fully extinguished.”
Negligence Alleged: Three Construction Officials Arrested
Police have arrested three officials from the construction company responsible for the renovation, accusing them of manslaughter.
Investigators found that flammable foam boards had been placed over windows, significantly worsening the spread of the fire and trapping residents inside.
Firefighters Faced Extreme Heat and Collapsing Scaffolding
Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Chan said emergency crews have been forcing entry into every unit across the seven affected towers to ensure no survivors or victims remain undiscovered.
He noted that 25 emergency calls linked to the blaze are still unresolved, including several received recently.
Migrant Domestic Workers Among the Victims
The Indonesian consulate confirmed that two Indonesian domestic workers were among those killed.
Hong Kong is home to more than 368,000 migrant household workers, many of them women from low-income Asian nations living with their employers.
Deadliest Fire Since 1948
Officials stated that the tragedy is now the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse blaze.
Experts have drawn comparisons to London’s Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, noting the rapid spread of flames in both incidents.
Government Announces Major Relief Fund
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has pledged the creation of a HK$300 million (US$39 million) relief fund to support displaced families and affected residents.
Several major Chinese corporations have also announced donations to aid the recovery effort.
Source: News Agencies
