Post by : Rameen Ariff

A devastating fire continues to burn at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong, killing at least 55 people and leaving nearly 300 residents unaccounted for. Police have suggested that the blaze may have been caused by gross negligence from a construction company using unsafe materials during renovations.

The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, located in the Tai Po district in northern Hong Kong. The residential complex includes eight blocks with 2,000 apartments, housing more than 4,600 residents. The densely packed high-rise buildings, some 32 storeys tall, made firefighting operations extremely difficult. Thick smoke and intense heat prevented rescuers from reaching people trapped on the upper floors. Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing two towers covered in green construction mesh and bamboo scaffolding.

Authorities confirmed that three men associated with the construction company—a firm responsible for renovation work at the complex—were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. These include two directors and one engineering consultant. Police officials stated that the company acted with “gross negligence,” which contributed to the fire spreading rapidly and causing massive casualties. Investigations revealed that some windows in unaffected blocks were sealed with foam material, and protective mesh sheets covering the buildings may not have met fire safety standards.

The fire has resulted in the highest number of deaths in a Hong Kong fire since 1948. Among the deceased is one firefighter, and dozens of others remain hospitalized in critical condition. Around 900 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters while roads in the area remain closed, and 39 bus routes have been diverted. Nearby schools were also closed as a precaution.

The tragedy has affected foreign workers as well. Indonesia’s foreign ministry reported that two Indonesian domestic workers died in the fire, while two others were injured.

Residents and social media users have criticized the construction firm for negligence and apparent cost-cutting measures. Videos showed construction workers smoking on the bamboo scaffolding during renovation work. The building renovations, which began a year ago, reportedly cost HK$330 million (approximately $42.4 million), with each apartment owner contributing HK$160,000 to HK$180,000 for the work.

The Hong Kong Corruption Prevention Body has launched a separate investigation into possible corruption linked to the renovation project. Authorities are now examining whether unsafe construction practices, flammable materials, and negligence led to this disaster.

China’s President has urged Hong Kong authorities to make an “all-out effort” to extinguish the fire, rescue residents, and minimize casualties and losses. Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts continue to focus on supporting survivors and providing aid to displaced families.

The fire has drawn comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which killed 72 people and was blamed on flammable cladding and failings by construction firms. The Wang Fuk Court fire has highlighted ongoing safety concerns in Hong Kong’s high-rise housing, particularly in subsidized and densely populated residential areas.

The focus now remains on rescuing missing residents, assisting the injured, and conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the fire, including potential violations of construction and safety regulations. The disaster has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards across Hong Kong.

#Global News #Asia News