55 dead, construction bosses arrested for negligence in massive Hong Kong high-rise inferno
A devastating inferno has engulfed a residential high-rise in Hong Kong, claiming the lives of at least 55 individuals and leaving the fate of nearly 300 others uncertain. Authorities are pointing to "gross negligence" by a construction firm as the primary cause of the disaster, which has ripped through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district.
As the blaze continued to rage for more than 24 hours, rescue teams faced immense challenges. Thick, choking smoke and intense heat made it difficult for firefighters to reach residents trapped on the upper floors of the 32-story towers. The situation remains critical, with many families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
Arrests Made Over Safety Violations
Law enforcement has moved quickly, taking three senior officials from the construction firm responsible for recent renovations into custody. The suspects, including two directors and an engineering consultant, are facing manslaughter charges.
According to police superintendent Eileen Chung, the investigation revealed shocking safety lapses. It appears that the building was wrapped in plastic mesh and scaffolding that did not meet fire safety standards. Furthermore, investigators discovered that windows in the complex had been sealed with foam material, potentially trapping residents and accelerating the spread of the flames. Police have raided the maintenance company’s offices and seized documents proving they were working on the site.
Residents in Despair
The human toll of the Hong Kong fire is heartbreaking. The complex, which houses over 4,600 people, is a scene of chaos and grief. One resident, a 51-year-old named Wan, expressed his hopelessness, noting that after living there for two decades, his family has lost every possession they owned.
Outside emergency shelters, the atmosphere is heavy with sorrow. A mother, clutching her daughter’s graduation photograph, sobbed uncontrollably as she searched for her missing child and husband. "They didn't have water to save our building," she cried.
A Historic Tragedy
This incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948. The catastrophe has drawn comparisons to London’s Grenfell Tower fire, raising serious questions about the materials used in high-rise renovations. In addition to the local residents, the Indonesian foreign ministry has confirmed that two Indonesian migrant workers are among the deceased.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an "all-out effort" to rescue survivors and minimize further casualties. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s corruption watchdog has launched a separate probe to determine if bribery played a role in the substandard renovation work.
