Hong Kong has been through a 3-day mourning period in remembrance of the 128 people that died, and the 233 injured or unaccounted for, in the city’s deadliest fire in almost 80 years which went on for more than a day. The fire spread rapidly throughout seven tower blocks in Wang Fuk Court, home to around 4,600 people, likely due to the flammable materials placed on the exterior.
The fire spread rapidly throughout seven tower blocks in Wang Fuk Court, home to around 4,600 people, likely due to the flammable materials placed on the exterior.
The tower blocks were covered in bamboo scaffolding, a commonly used material in Hong Kong, which was enrobed in a plastic netting that was easily caught alight. Although an iconic sight across Hong Kong, authorities plan to phase it out in exchange for steel, an announcement made earlier this year. Primarily, the polystyrene blocks that surrounded windows have been attributed to the speed in which the fire spread. Sparking a debate on whether or not these materials should still be used, it took more than 2000 firefighters almost two days to control the fire. They faced major challenges, including the risk of further scaffolding collapse, and hundreds of residents had to be evacuated to temporary shelters and emergency housing units.
It has been confirmed that an investigation will take place over the next few weeks and 8 people have been arrested on suspicion of corruption over the renovation works being undertaken on the apartment blocks, as well as manslaughter, potentially due to carelessness and the use of cigarettes in a dangerous environment.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court have reported broken fire alarms and negligence, and the fire service can confirm that inefficient fire alarms were a contributing factor to the fire. When checked, fire alarms were not working properly and several residents revealed that the alarms did not sound when the fire broke out.
When checked, fire alarms were not working properly and several residents revealed that the alarms did not sound when the fire broke out.
The mourning ceremony was held outside government headquarters. The city leader, John Lee, was joined by government officials in an observation of three minutes of silence whilst the flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half mast. Across the city, memorial points have been set up where people can pay their respects and sign condolence books.
