Hong Kong fire: 94 dead, final search for survivors underway
What's the story
The death toll from the massive fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district climbed to 94 on Friday. The blaze started on Wednesday afternoon and spread rapidly through seven of the eight towers in the estate, home to over 4,600 residents. The complex was undergoing renovations and was covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh when the fire broke out.
Rescue efforts
Firefighters battle blaze, search for survivors
It took over 1,000 firemen over 24 hours to put out the five-alarm fire, which is the highest in severity. Firefighters are now focusing on search and rescue operations. Deputy Fire Services Director Derek Chan said they would "endeavor to effect forcible entry to all the units of the seven buildings" to ensure no other possible casualties remain. However, access has been difficult due to debris and scaffolding falling from upper floors.
Missing
Final search expected to be completed later Friday
The last search of the buildings was expected to be completed later on Friday. After that, officials said they would officially stop the rescue phase of their operation at the complex. There were over 2,000 apartments in the buildings, so it was hard to tell how many individuals might be inside. John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, announced early Thursday morning that officials had not been able to get in touch with 279 residents.
Legal proceedings
Investigation underway, suspects arrested
Three men from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police suspect that materials used on the exterior walls of the buildings did not meet fire resistance standards. They also found highly flammable plastic foam panels attached to windows in an unaffected tower. The construction company was believed to have installed the panels, but it was unclear why.
Community response
Community rallies to support victims, families
The community has come together to support those affected by the fire. Volunteers are distributing donated supplies and offering shelter to evacuees. Pope Leo XIV also expressed his condolences and offered prayers for the injured and emergency workers. The fire was Hong Kong's deadliest in decades. Before that, a commercial building in Kowloon caught fire in 1996, killing 41 persons.