At least 128 deaths have been reported following the outbreak of a fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong, according to reports from the relevant authority on Friday. It emerging that the fire alarms at the complex had not worked effectively, amid mounting public fury.
During the media conference, it was reported that there were 16 corpses inside the burnt buildings, while 79 people had sustained injuries. Eighty-nine victims had not been identified, while many remained unaccounted for. The fire was reported to have started in the lower floors of the buildings but had quickly ascended. The fire started on Wednesday.
Fire Department Chief Leung Wai-Chun said the temperatures soared as high as 500° C (932° F) at the peak of the fire, leading to the reignition of some areas despite being doused. The fire was completely brought under control by 10:18 a.m. on Friday.
An operation of such vast proportions was unleashed, with 391 fire engines, 188 ambulances, and 2,311 firefighters deployed. Twelve firefighters sustained injuries. Helicopters could not be deployed because water dropped from them works poorly in buildings, and drones could not be deployed, although the government said that they are examining how such technology can be applied in future events.
“Highly flammable styrofoam panels placed outside the apartment windows facilitated the rapid spread of fire,” said Security Chief Tang Ping-Keung.
The issue of malfunctioning fire alarms in the building is also being looked into, according to Chief Tang.
An investigation into corruption has been triggered by the arrest of three people associated with renovation work at the complex. Currently, the investigators are reviewing whether the use of substandard materials contributed to the tragedy.
In Prince of Wales Hospital, Ms. Wong, who appeared to be grieving, said that “We still cannot find them” while talking to the AFP. It seemed that Ms. Wong was looking for relatives who were missing.
The police have set up a community center in the vicinity where the families are being shown photographs in order to try and locate the identified victims. DNA analysis will then follow.
It was reported that financial assistance programs for affected residents who have lost homes or loved ones will soon be implemented by the government, as per announcements by officials.
It ranks as the worst in the territory since 1962 when a huge fire in the Sham Shui Po district resulted in the deaths of 44 persons. The Wang Fuk Court fire engulfed all but one of the residential apartment blocks in the estate. Families have started to return in order to search for loved ones, while the police are soon to enter the buildings in order to collect evidence. In reaction to the unfortunate occurrence, the organizers of the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) have announced that the event at Kai Tak Stadium will go on but without the red-carpet walk. “Instead of glamour, we will focus on bringing comfort and hope,” said entertainment company CJ ENM in its announcement that there would be a tribute and donation in aid of the victims.
