At least 36 people died, and 279 were missing, in a massive fire that broke out on Wednesday, November 26 at a housing complex in Hong Kong, according to the chief executive, John Lee. Moreover, “There are still 29 people being treated in hospital, seven of whom are in critical condition”Mr Lee said during a press conference on Wednesday to Thursday evening.
Thick plumes of black smoke enveloped at least five of the eight residential towers at the Wang Fuk Court complex, located in the Tai Po district, in northern Hong Kong, according to journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP). Loud cracking sounds – possibly from burning bamboo scaffolding erected around the building – were heard and huge flames shot high into the sky, according to this reporter.
Official reports earlier reported 13 people dead and 23 people injured, including six people in critical condition and 11 people in serious condition, according to hospital authorities. A 37-year-old firefighter, who was out of contact for about 30 minutes, was found burned on the face and pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, fire director Andy Yeung said. Authorities did not immediately discuss the possible cause of the fire.
“Firefighters can’t get in”
Authorities have classified the disaster into category five, which is the highest alert scale that determines the level of rescue mobilization. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for everything possible to limit the number of casualties and human losses. “Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to those who died in a large fire in a residential area in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including firefighters who died in the line of duty”said state channel CCTV. Mr Lee assured that all government departments are providing assistance to the affected citizens.
Police officers at the scene told AFP they could not determine whether anyone was still inside “firefighters can’t get in” in buildings.
As night fell, firefighters continued to put out the flames, which showed no signs of weakening, and flames could be seen inside the buildings emitting an eerie orange glow all around.
Everyday life South China Morning Post reported that police began evacuating two buildings in another housing complex nearby. Authorities closed part of a nearby highway. Advice from the Hong Kong Fire Department “Local residents should stay at home, close their doors and windows and remain calm” and to the public “Avoid going to areas affected by fire”.
Last month, a fire on the scaffolding of a building in Hong Kong’s central business district left four people injured. Hong Kong is home to some of the tallest and most densely populated apartment buildings in the world. Fires have long been a common scourge in Hong Kong, particularly in poor neighborhoods. But strengthening security measures in recent decades means this is becoming less common.
