A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong has resulted in at least 36 fatalities and left 279 people missing, according to local authorities. The inferno erupted late on October 12, 2023, and has been described as one of the worst residential fires in the city’s history. As of the latest updates, emergency services are still working to control the blaze, which has affected a complex consisting of eight blocks housing approximately 4,000 residents.
During a press conference held at 01:00 local time, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu confirmed the rising death toll and reported that 29 individuals are currently hospitalized, with fears that the number of casualties could increase. Many residents are still unaccounted for, raising concerns about those potentially trapped inside the burning buildings.
John Lee stated that emergency responders believe the situation is “gradually under control.” The fire service has assured the Chief Executive that adequate manpower and resources are available to manage and extinguish the fire. A total of 767 firefighters and 400 police officers have been deployed to combat the flames.
Investigation Underway into Rapid Spread of Fire
Preliminary investigations led by Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin indicated that the presence of styrofoam within the buildings contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. The material ignited quickly, allowing flames to engulf corridors and residential flats, complicating evacuation efforts. Firefighters faced challenges accessing the building, only able to enter from the ground floor.
Authorities are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious. Chris Tang, Secretary for Security, announced that a joint investigation between police and fire service officers will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire, along with any anomalies discovered during the response.
Survivors have reported that fire alarms failed to activate during the incident. Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho stated that residents detected the smell of smoke before the alarms went off, raising serious questions about the safety systems in place.
Some residents have sought refuge in temporary shelters, with around 900 individuals currently housed in eight designated locations. The government has established a hotline at 1878 999 for families seeking information about missing loved ones.
National and Local Responses to the Tragedy
The fire claimed the life of Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact with his colleagues while battling the blaze. He had served in the fire department for nine years and was stationed at the Sha Tin Fire Station. Another firefighter sustained a leg injury, while others suffered from heat exhaustion, highlighting the dangers faced by emergency responders.
In a message of condolence, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his sorrow for the victims and their families. He has called for an all-out effort to extinguish the fire and minimize further casualties. President Xi’s response underscores the national significance of this tragic event.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the community remains in mourning. The government and emergency services are committed to providing support to affected residents and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
