Major Blaze Rocks Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court
On Wednesday afternoon, a huge fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex under renovation in Tai Po, Hong Kong. Covered in green mesh and scaffolding at the time, the eight-building estate became engulfed in flames that spread faster than firefighters expected.🚒🔥
Rescue Efforts & Tech in Action
At a press briefing today, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee shared that firefighters have rescued 55 people so far. The Fire Services Department (FSD) reports 65 fatalities and 72 injured—including eight brave firefighters—sent to hospitals. More than 200 people are still missing.
To battle the blaze, crews deployed 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles. They even used drones to monitor hot spots from above, helping prevent flare-ups and keep teams safe. Think of drones like flying robots with cameras that spot danger zones in real time.🛸
Community & Next Steps
Police have arrested three renovation workers on suspicion of manslaughter, as flammable materials are under investigation for causing the rapid fire spread. Meanwhile, volunteers and local groups are rallying to support affected families, dropping off essentials and setting up charity drives.🙏
As Hong Kong comes together to tackle the aftermath, authorities say all seven affected buildings are now under control. Recovery and rebuilding will be a marathon, not a sprint—but solidarity is Hong Kong’s strongest asset.💪
Reference(s):
Concerted efforts underway as Hong Kong races to minimize fire losses
cgtn.com
