By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
More Than 250 Unaccounted For After Hong Kong’s Most Devastating Fire in Decades
Hong Kong emergency crews were still combing through the charred remains of several high-rise blocks on Thursday, searching for more than 250 people who remain unaccounted for after a devastating blaze tore through a large residential estate in Tai Po.
At least 55 people have been confirmed dead, making it the city’s deadliest fire in decades.
More than 24 hours after the first flames erupted inside the Wang Fuk Court estate, a complex of eight residential towers with about 2,000 unit, plumes of smoke continued to drift from upper floors as firefighters directed water hoses at the scorched buildings.
Officials said four of the affected towers had been fully extinguished, while fires in three others were under control. Only one block escaped damage.
Investigators are now examining what may have accelerated the inferno, including bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh that wrapped parts of the estate for ongoing renovation work.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency also announced a probe into the construction project, coming hours after police arrested three men accused of leaving foam packaging materials at the site.
Residents described chaotic scenes as the fire spread at frightening speed. Some said they never heard an alarm and had to bang on doors and ring bells to alert neighbours.
“The fire moved too quickly,” a resident identified only as Suen told AFP. “One hose for so many buildings — it just wasn’t enough.”
In the aftermath, crowds of volunteers gathered near the estate, offering clothes, food, and support to displaced families and exhausted firefighters.
“When something like this happens, everyone comes out to help,” said 38-year-old Stone Ngai, who helped set up an impromptu aid station.
Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with his team before being found with severe burns, officials said.
Sixty-one people are in hospital, including 15 in critical condition and 27 listed as serious.
Chief Executive John Lee said the government would immediately audit all housing estates undergoing major renovation, adding that he was “deeply saddened” by the scale of the tragedy.
He noted that 279 residents initially reported missing had not all been accounted for, although firefighters had since established contact with some.
Some residents evacuated from nearby buildings were allowed to return home Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, flyers with photos and descriptions of missing individuals were being distributed as families waited anxiously for updates.
Hong Kong, once prone to deadly fires in crowded neighbourhoods, has seen significant safety improvements over the years.
But Wednesday’s disaster, complete with collapsing scaffolding, wind-driven flames, and debris falling from great heights, has revived painful memories of past tragedies.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued condolences to the victims, including the firefighter who died while trying to contain the blaze.
As dusk fell, parts of the towers were still smouldering, a stark reminder of a fire whose toll continues to grow as authorities work through the devastated buildings.
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