A devastating fire struck a residential complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday evening, leaving a heavy toll: 36 confirmed dead and 279 missing, according to statements by Chief Executive John Lee.
At this time, the fire has claimed the lives of 36 people and 279 are still missing. There are 29 people hospitalized, including 7 in critical condition, said John Lee at a press conference.
Thick clouds of black smoke envelop at least five of the eight residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex, located in the Tai Po district of northern Hong Kong, according to an AFP journalist. Loud cracking sounds – possibly from the burning bamboo scaffolding erected around the buildings – were heard, and massive flames rose high into the sky, the journalist reported.
A 37-year-old firefighter, with whom contact had been lost for about 30 minutes, was found with burns to his face and pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, said fire chief Andy Yeung. Authorities did not immediately comment on the possible cause of the fire.
Orange Glows
They classified the disaster as category 5, the highest on the alert scale which determines, among other things, the level of mobilization of emergency services.
Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his condolences to the victims and called for every effort to be made to minimize the number of casualties and loss of life.
Xi Jinping expressed his condolences for those who died in the major fire at a residential estate in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Kong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said he was deeply saddened by the incident and assured that all government services were providing assistance to residents affected by the fire."It's heartbreaking. We're worried about whether there are people trapped inside," So, a 57-year-old resident of Tai Po, near the scene of the fire, told AFP.
A 65-year-old resident, Yuen, said he had lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years. Many of his neighbors were elderly and had limited mobility, he said. The windows were closed due to construction. Some people were unaware of the fire and had to be alerted by phone by their neighbors, he told AFP. I am devastated!
Police officers at the scene told AFP they did not know if anyone was still inside, adding that firefighters could not enter burning buildings.
As night fell, firefighters continued to battle the blaze, which showed no signs of abating, with flames visible inside the buildings casting eerie orange glows.
The temperature on the premises is very high and there are floors where we have not been able to reach people who have asked for help, but we will continue to try, assured Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of the fire service.
Authorities have closed sections of a nearby highway. Hong Kong's fire service is advising residents in the area to stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and remain calm.
Last month, a fire on the scaffolding of a building in Hong Kong's central business district injured four people. Hong Kong is home to some of the tallest and most densely populated residential buildings in the world.
Fires have long been a common scourge in Hong Kong, particularly in poorer neighborhoods. However, the strengthening of safety measures in recent decades has made them less frequent.
