A massive fire has tragically claimed the lives of at least 55 people at the Wang Fuk Court high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong, with nearly 300 residents initially unaccounted for. Authorities believe the fire spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding and foam materials being used during ongoing maintenance work.
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- Victims & Scale: The death toll of 55 makes this the city’s deadliest fire in over six decades. Around 900 people were evacuated.
- The Complex: Wang Fuk Court, built in the 1980s, is home to 4,600 residents, notable for its large elderly population (nearly 40% aged 65 or above).
- Cause & Arrests: Police have arrested three individuals—two directors and an engineering consultant—from the construction firm, attributing the tragedy to “gross negligence” in using unsafe materials.
- Harrowing Escapes: Eyewitnesses recounted terrifying scenes:
- Many elderly residents, some reliant on mobility aids, were caught unaware due to closed windows from maintenance.
- One couple, initially safe, had to seal themselves in their bathroom with wet towels as smoke engulfed their apartment, waiting hours for rescue.
- Others, like Lawrence Lee’s wife, were forced back into their flats because smoke made escape routes pitch dark and impassable.
The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the community and intensified scrutiny on construction safety standards, particularly the use of bamboo scaffolding which was set to be phased out.
