44 people died and hundreds are missing in a massive fire that broke out in 7 high-rise buildings in Tai Po, Hong Kong. During maintenance, the fire spread from the scaffolding and engulfed the entire complex. 3 suspects have been arrested. Strong wind and overcrowding made the situation more serious.
Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Tragedy: On Wednesday afternoon, a scene was seen in Hong Kong’s Tai Po area, which the city had not faced for decades. The fire that broke out in a large housing complex named Wang Fuk Court spread to such a dangerous extent within a few minutes that within no time 7 high-rise buildings were seen burning. The accident was like a nightmare for thousands of people living in this 2,000-unit apartment estate. At least 44 people have died in this terrible fire, while hundreds of people are still reported missing.
Police took three suspects into custody
The fire department confirmed that nine people died on the spot, and four who were taken to hospital died during treatment. Apart from this, more than 15 people are injured. The fire was so intense that straight flames were rising towards the sky from the windows of many flats. Officials said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the fire, but no details have been released about what charges they face. This thing makes the whole accident more mysterious.
Scroll to load tweet…
After all, how did the fire spread so fast in Hong Kong’s Tai Po High-Rise?
The fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon, spread to several blocks within no time. According to initial information, maintenance work was going on in the entire Wang Phuc Court and during this time the fire spread through the bamboo scaffolding to other buildings. Bamboo is dry and catches fire in an instant, making it extremely difficult to control the spread of fire.
Scroll to load tweet…
Firefighter also dies on duty in horrific accident
Many elderly and disabled people live in this densely populated complex. A 65-year-old resident said that the windows were closed due to maintenance, so many people did not realize at the time that the fire had started. Neighbors called many people and asked them to come out. The situation was very difficult for the fire brigade also. Winds were fanning the fire, and some floors were so hot that firefighters were unable to get inside. A firefighter also died in the line of duty.
Scroll to load tweet…
Was it just an accident or was the fire deliberately set?
This question is constantly being raised because the fire had a strange speed, spreading in several towers simultaneously. Police have currently arrested three suspects. There was a large bamboo scaffold at the maintenance site. Smoke was trapped inside as the windows of many blocks were closed. Officials are investigating whether materials or scaffolding placed outside the building made the fire more dangerous.
Hundreds of people still missing – will the rescue team be able to reach everyone?
Officials say that it is still not clear how many people are missing, because till late night people were coming to report their family members missing. More than 900 people have been shifted to temporary shelters. The flames were so huge that parts of the burning scaffolding were falling on the road and entire buildings looked scary with an orange glow at night.