A devastating fire in Hong Kong has resulted in at least 44 fatalities and left 279 individuals missing as emergency responders continue to battle the blaze into its second day. The fire erupted on the afternoon of November 26, 2023, at a housing estate in the Tai Po neighbourhood and has since spread across seven of the eight buildings in the complex.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, confirmed that approximately 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight. Among the deceased are one firefighter and numerous others suffering from severe injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation. As of Thursday afternoon, local time, emergency services reported that four of the towers were under control, but smoke continued to billow from the complex.
Investigators have already arrested three individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from the Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, on suspicion of manslaughter. Police, led by Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung, suggested that those responsible for the renovations exhibited “gross negligence,” which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Authorities are examining the construction materials used on the high-rise buildings, particularly noting that some did not meet fire resistance standards. Reports indicate that Styrofoam, a highly flammable material, was found attached to windows on multiple floors. This material, believed to have been installed by the construction team, poses questions regarding its intended use.
The fire reportedly began on external scaffolding of a 32-storey tower and quickly spread through bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Firefighters have faced significant challenges in controlling the flames due to high temperatures inside the buildings. Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan stated that conditions hindered rescue operations, complicating efforts to reach those trapped inside.
Residents of the complex, which consists of nearly 2,000 apartments housing around 4,800 people, expressed fear and concern for their safety and homes. One resident, Lawrence Lee, described his desperate attempts to guide his wife to safety as smoke filled the corridors, forcing her to return to their apartment. Another resident, Winter Chung, recounted sparks flying as they evacuated, and shared her sleepless night filled with worry for their home.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the family of the deceased firefighter and emphasized the need for actions to minimize further casualties and losses. This incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, surpassing the tragic events of November 1996, when 41 lives were lost in a fire at a commercial building in Kowloon.
The ongoing investigation by local authorities aims to determine the full extent of the negligence involved and prevent similar tragedies in the future as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the situation and support the affected residents.
