At least 36 people have died and 279 individuals are reported missing following a devastating fire that swept through high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on the afternoon of October 18, 2023. This incident marks the deadliest fire in the city in over three decades, igniting concerns about public safety and building regulations.
The fire, which broke out around 14:45, rapidly engulfed the 32-storey towers of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, a structure known for its use of flammable bamboo scaffolding. By the time firefighters arrived, flames and thick smoke obstructed efforts to reach the upper floors, hampering rescue operations. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as residents looked on in horror, with some, like 71-year-old Wong, in tears over missing family members.
Firefighters battled the blaze for over ten hours, with intense heat making it difficult to access higher floors. Among the deceased was a firefighter who died while attempting to rescue trapped residents. In total, 29 people remain hospitalized, some in critical condition. As of the latest reports, approximately 900 residents have been displaced, seeking refuge in eight emergency shelters set up across the city.
Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, addressed the media, stating, “The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we’ll launch a thorough investigation.” Lee emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the fire and potential regulatory shortcomings.
As the situation unfolded, President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out effort” to manage the crisis and reduce casualties. His remarks, broadcasted by state-run media, highlighted the urgency of the response. The fire’s impact has also led to significant disruptions in the surrounding area, with the closure of a section of Tai Po Road, one of Hong Kong’s main highways, and the diversion of public transport.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the ongoing issues surrounding building safety in Hong Kong, where soaring property prices and high-density living conditions have long been sources of social tension. The incident raises questions about the use of bamboo scaffolding, which the government has begun to phase out since March, citing safety concerns.
The Wang Fuk Court complex, established in 1983 under the government’s subsidized home ownership scheme, consists of 2,000 apartments across eight blocks. The fire is reminiscent of the deadly blaze in November 1996 that claimed the lives of 41 individuals in Kowloon, prompting major reforms in building and fire safety regulations.
As families await news of their loved ones, the local community grapples with the aftermath of a disaster that has shaken the foundation of trust in safety measures. The implications of this tragedy will likely resonate throughout the city, particularly as Hong Kong prepares for a city-wide legislative election in early December.
