When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy. These words capture the chilling reality for Thomas Liu, who found himself amidst the chaos as flames consumed much of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. In a disaster marked by devastation, at least 44 lives have been lost, with many more feared missing.
The fire erupted on Wednesday, and its cause remains under investigation. Authorities have arrested three executives from a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the presence of flammable materials that could have exacerbated the blaze. Eyewitness reports state that some individuals received distressing messages from loved ones trapped inside the burning buildings.
“It’s a disaster,” Thomas described the scene, recounting the harrowing sight of bodies being removed. Mui Siu-fung, a local councillor, indicated that many were in anguish, searching for missing relatives after receiving messages from them.
Over a thousand individuals were forced to evacuate their homes due to the affected buildings being engulfed in flames. Many residents were relocated to temporary shelters as the fire ravaged their homes, with firefighters struggling to contain it fully.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who criticized the government's handling of the situation. Locals were upset about the lack of immediate action, calling for more efficient fire-fighting measures as they witnessed the flames spread at a distressing rate.
Harry Cheung, a long-time resident of the complex, expressed despair over the loss of his home and uncertainty about his future. Similarly, concerns grew surrounding other residents who remained unaccounted for, further amplifying the emotional toll of this tragedy.
The situation remains critical as authorities investigate and provide aid to those affected, with residents fearing for their safety and lost loved ones in the aftermath of this tragic event.
