A massive fire in a Hong Kong housing complex resulted in the death of 55 individuals, as confirmed by the city’s fire department on Thursday. The fire department reported that 51 people perished at the scene, while four succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Firefighters managed to extinguish blazes in four out of the eight apartment buildings, with three fires now under control and one building unaffected.
The devastating inferno, described as the worst in decades in the financial hub, started on Wednesday afternoon in an eight-building housing estate comprising 2,000 apartments. The incident sent shockwaves through the densely populated city known for its towering residential blocks. Authorities revealed that the fire was caused by flammable materials left during maintenance work, leading to rapid and uncontrollable spread.
Law enforcement officials made three arrests in connection with the fire, seizing documents related to individuals suspected of negligence in leaving foam packaging at the fire site. Despite some flats still burning, the intensity of the blaze had reduced during the early hours of Thursday. The fire initially ignited on bamboo scaffolding in several 31-storey apartment blocks undergoing repairs in the northern district of Tai Po.
Residents, including longtime inhabitants like 65-year-old Yuen, expressed distress over the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by elderly neighbors in evacuating the premises. The death toll was revised to 44 on Thursday morning, including a firefighter who sustained burns during the rescue operation. Currently, 56 individuals are receiving medical treatment, with some in critical condition.
City leader John Lee disclosed that 279 people were unaccounted for initially, but firefighters later established contact with some of them. Over 900 individuals sought shelter in temporary accommodations. The fire department continued its rescue efforts, facing obstacles in reaching individuals in certain floors due to high temperatures and structural damage.
Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed condolences for the victims, particularly honoring the fallen firefighter. Local authorities are actively supporting affected residents, with ongoing evacuation efforts and closure of adjacent areas for safety measures. While deadly fires were once common in densely populated areas of Hong Kong, improved safety protocols have significantly reduced such incidents in recent years.