At least 146 people have died in a tragic fire that engulfed high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. The police reported on Sunday that the death toll could rise, as around 150 individuals remain missing, and 79 have sustained injuries.
The fire erupted in seven of the eight towers at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, a northern district. Authorities are investigating claims that the blaze spread rapidly due to flammable building materials, which has sparked outrage among residents.
As the nation mourns, thousands have come to the site to pay their respects. Many are waiting in lines stretching up to 2 kilometers to lay flowers and leave notes for the victims. Romlah Rosidah, an Indonesian worker, expressed surprise at the turnout, stating that it was only through social media that the news spread, yet people felt compelled to respond. A Filipino worker remarked on the unity displayed by the community in their prayers.
The fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in over 70 years, with the city observing three days of mourning. Officials held a moment of silence as flags flew at half-staff across the area. The investigation continues, with eight people arrested for possible corruption related to renovation practices, and three facing manslaughter charges.
Firefighters battled the intense blaze, which reached temperatures of up to 500°C (932°F), for over 40 hours before it was fully extinguished. Some reports indicated that residents didn’t hear fire alarms due to failures in the system across all eight blocks. This has sparked a renewed debate about the safety of construction methods, including the use of bamboo scaffolding, which was prevalent during the renovations.
Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, provided homes for around 4,600 residents, many of whom are elderly. The most devastating fire in Hong Kong history occurred in 1918, claiming over 600 lives, while a 1948 fire resulted in 176 deaths.
Experts are now calling for a thorough review of building regulations to prevent future tragedies. The ongoing inquiry into the fire could take several weeks, highlighting the urgent need for better safety measures in high-rise constructions.
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