The most serious fire in Hong Kong (China) in decades continues to leave haunting moments. As rescue work is being urgently deployed at three of Wang Fuk Court's buildings in Tai Po, authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to 94 as of the morning of November 28, while many other victims are still missing. A mother in pain said that she had lost her child in a sea of fire.
Faced with the scale of the tragedy, Head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China) Li Jiaiao requested an inspection of the entire public housing area that has been undergoing major renovation. He also directed a criminal investigation to clarify the cause and responsibility for this horrific fire.
Although firefighters controlled most of the fire that day, at 11:20 p.m. on November 27, the monsoon and strong northeast winds caused the fire to flare up again at Wang Tai House. The fire quickly spread along the middle and upper floors, beyond the reach of the water fountain.
Firefighters struggled as the water could not reach the fire location. Previously, the fire spread quickly because scaffolding and materials fell down to block the access, making it impossible for elevator vehicles and vehicles with hydraulic lifting floors to approach the building.
It was not until the early morning of November 28 that the fire was somewhat controlled, but the situation was still very complicated.
Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Fire Department (China) Chan said that the rescue team faced a series of obstacles: The fire spread too quickly, many emergency calls at the same time, extremely high temperatures, and night vision was almost zero.
The scaffolding and debris from the collapse not only blocked access to the upper floors but also blocked the movement of all rescue vehicles. Therefore, the force had to divide their formation into small pieces, finding ways to approach each area by road and stairs inside.
Mr Chan stressed that the number of missing people could only be accurately counted after rescue forces broke into each apartment and checked if there were any more trapped. At the same time, apartments that have been put out will continue to be sprayed with water to prevent the risk of a new outbreak.
Most of the victims were found in the Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House buildings, where the fire was fiercest.
In an relentless effort, the fire department discovered a man living on the 16th floor of Wang Tao House. This person was brought out in a state of exhaustion but alertness, creating a little hope in the dark context of the residential area.
There are still 56 people being treated at the hospital.
Water, blankets and essential items continue to be delivered to Tai Po, people even transport supplies by bicycle to support the rescue force.
On social networks, many people called for donations of more hot food for firefighters.
Head of Ly Gia Sieu Special Zone announced that each affected household will receive emergency support of 10,000 USD (1,290 USD) on the night of November 27, to help them overcome initial difficulties.
