Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 128, around 200 still missing • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Deadliest Fire in Hong Kong Since 1948: The incident at Wong Fuk Court is the most severe fire in the city in over 70 years.
• Flammable Renovation Materials: Early investigations suggest these materials significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
• Bamboo Scaffolding: Its continued use in Hong Kong is being questioned, with increasing calls for a ban due to fire safety concerns.
• Wong Fuk Court Fire: The specific location of the disaster, a residential complex undergoing renovation.
• Company Executives Arrested: Three individuals in charge of the renovation have been taken into custody.
• Multi-Million Dollar Relief Fund: Announced by the Chief Executive to support affected residents.

Firefighting Operation and Aftermath

Firefighters in Hong Kong battled a blaze for two days, resulting in buildings being reduced to "smoking skeletons." The operation, though nearing completion, involved extinguishing fires in individual units and damping down various sections across seven blocks. Despite the exhaustion of the firefighting teams, efforts continued after sunrise to find any survivors.

Casualties and Investigation

The disaster has resulted in dozens of confirmed deaths, with many more feared missing. The focus has now shifted to victim identification and accountability. Police have arrested three men, described as company executives responsible for the renovation at Wong Fuk Court, who are in their 50s. They are currently in custody.

Contributing Factors to Fire Spread

Initial findings indicate that flammable renovation materials played a crucial role in the fire's rapid escalation. Additionally, bamboo scaffolding, a common sight in Hong Kong, is under scrutiny. The widespread use of this material has led to growing demands for its prohibition due to fire safety concerns.

Impact on Residents and Relief Efforts

The Wong Fuk Court complex housed approximately 4,800 residents. In response to the devastation, the Chief Executive has announced the establishment of a multi-million dollar relief fund to assist those affected by the fire.

Conclusion

The Wong Fuk Court fire represents a significant tragedy for Hong Kong, highlighting critical issues in building safety, particularly concerning renovation materials and traditional construction methods like bamboo scaffolding. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact causes and hold responsible parties accountable, while relief efforts are underway to support the displaced residents.