At least 12 people died in a major fire in a Hong Kong residential complex
The fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po affected buildings surrounded by bamboo scaffolding, which is still used in many construction sites in Hong Kong. The buildings, which reach up to 31 storeys, house many families and elderly couples. Rescuers continue to search for those trapped.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At least 12 people, including a firefighter, died today in a massive fire that engulfed high-rise tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court, a large residential complex in Tai Po, a district in northern Hong Kong.
The authorities have not yet determined how many people are still trapped in the burning buildings, while rescuers face extreme conditions due to the spreading smoke and flames.
The fire broke out at 2:51 pm local time, according to the Fire Department. Within less than an hour, the alert level was raised to Level 4 and then to Level 5, the maximum level allowed in Hong Kong's fire emergency system. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Wang Fuk Court is a large complex consisting of eight tower blocks and nearly 2,000 residential units.
According to local sources, several towers were surrounded by bamboo scaffolding for renovation work. Bamboo is still used extensively in construction in Hong Kong.
The government announced in March a plan to gradually replace it with metal structures in at least half of public construction sites, but its use has not yet been banned.
Tai Po, a densely populated area with approximately 300,000 residents, is home to residential complexes of all income levels, schools, markets, and large shopping malls.
Fire Chief Andy Yeung confirmed the death of the firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who was found unconscious near the elevator of one of the hardest-hit buildings, Hung Cheong Court. Despite repeated attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead 44 minutes later.
Yeung expressed his "deepest condolences" to the family, assuring them of psychological support and financial assistance.
Several other emergency personnel were injured, while several people are still trapped on the upper floors. Two people have been hospitalised in critical condition with extensive burns.
Some residents have gathered outside the complex. Some witnesses reported being unable to rescue their family members.
Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, is home to many families and senior citizens.
Thick, gray smoke billowed into the sky throughout the afternoon, according to news agencies, as firefighters attempted to reach the upper floors of the buildings, which are up to 31 storeys high.
The authorities have urged the public to avoid the area, while special teams continue firefighting operations and search for the missing.
Several roads have been closed, and at least 30 bus routes have been diverted.
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19/04/2007
