Tragic Fire in Hong Kong Apartment Complex Claims 146 Lives
The death toll from a fire at an apartment building in Hong Kong has risen to 146, with investigators uncovering additional bodies within the destroyed structure. Meanwhile, a steady flow of mourners has been visiting the area, leaving flowers at makeshift memorials.
According to police officer Chen Ka-chun, the Hong Kong Police Disaster Victim Identification Unit has been meticulously searching through the building, finding bodies both inside apartments and on the roof. He noted that the search has not only been methodical but rather challenging, given the lack of light in the darkened interiors. “It’s difficult to work, especially far from windows,” he remarked, dressed in protective gear.
So far, four out of the seven blocks have been thoroughly investigated, he added.
Additionally, 100 individuals are still unaccounted for, and 79 more have sustained injuries, reported Tsang Shu-kuin, head of the Hong Kong Police Injury Unit.
At the site, those paying their respects are leaving handwritten notes among the flowers, bowing their heads in somber prayer. “This is a wake-up call, particularly for people who live in high-rise buildings,” expressed Lian Shuzhen, who was among hundreds lining up to contribute flowers to the memorial.
Many have also stepped forward to donate essential supplies to those who lost everything in the fire, which began on Wednesday and wasn’t fully extinguished until Friday.
Construction Work Under Suspicion
Authorities have suspended construction on 28 separate projects managed by Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, the same contractor involved in the renovations of the Wangfu Court Complex. This decision came following suspicions surrounding compliance with fire safety protocols.
“The serious deficiencies in site safety management” highlighted by the devastating five-alarm fire were underscored in a government statement, emphasizing the use of foam board that obstructed windows during repairs.
The company has not issued any comments as of yet. Following the fire, three individuals—a director and an engineering consultant—were apprehended on suspicion of manslaughter, as the police looked into potential gross negligence. Although initially released on bail, they were subsequently re-arrested by anti-corruption authorities, who also detained eight additional suspects linked to the project.
Fire Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
Built in the 1980s, the eight-building complex in Tai Po consists of around 2,000 apartments, housing over 4,600 residents. Many of these residents are currently seeking refuge in emergency shelters or hotels, as officials work on finding long-term solutions.
“It’s truly heartbreaking,” said Jeffrey Chan, a civil servant who visited the scene to pay his respects. “Witnessing people losing their families and everything overnight is unbearable. They need our support.”
Hong Kong’s Chief Security Officer, Chris Tan, revealed that the fire initially broke out in the scaffolding netting of one of the lower levels. He said it quickly spread inside, igniting foam panels and forcing windows open, exacerbated by the wind that propelled flames from building to building, ultimately affecting seven out of the eight structures.
Andy Yong, leader of the Hong Kong Fire Department, disclosed that during tests, several fire alarms in the complex, frequented by many elderly residents, failed to activate.
Reports indicate that seven Indonesian migrant workers were among those who perished, while dozens more remain missing. In addition, one Filipino domestic helper died, with a further twelve still unaccounted for.
On Sunday, crowds of Filipinos gathered in central Hong Kong to pray and sing hymns in honor of the victims. In response, Beijing’s Ministry of Emergency Management has announced a nationwide review of fire safety in high-rise buildings, focusing on fire extinguishing equipment, scaffolding, and various alarm systems.
