When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy. This was the chilling description from Thomas Liu, a young observer drawn to the scene of a catastrophic fire that tore through much of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district.
The inferno claimed at least 36 lives, with hundreds still unaccounted for as the grim search continues. Eyewitnesses reported body recoveries, heightening the anguish felt throughout the community.
Residents reached out in desperation as family members remained untraceable: Many people sent us WhatsApp messages or called us, saying they still have relatives inside or can't find them, shared district councillor Mui Siu-fung.
More than a thousand individuals fled their homes as flames surged, leading to the establishment of emergency evacuation centers. Despite ongoing containment efforts, officials remain uncertain of when the fire will be entirely extinguished.
Harry Cheung, a longtime resident, expressed profound uncertainty, stating, I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight.\
As investigation into the fire's cause begins, many suspect that the renovation scaffolding may have accelerated the spread of the flames. Community members have voiced their outrage over the perceived inadequacy of the emergency response, asking why aerial firefighting resources were not deployed.
In the wake of such tragedy, local leaders, including Hong Kong's chief executive, have vowed to support the affected families, but cries for immediate actions echo in the hearts of the distressed residents.
