Hong Kong Fire Rescue Continues as Death Toll Hits 94

Rescue Operations Continue Amid Ongoing Emergency Calls

Emergency services in Hong Kong are continuing their desperate search and rescue operations at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district, where a devastating fire has claimed at least 94 lives. According to fire officials, rescue teams are prioritizing 25 outstanding emergency calls from the burned-out towers, with three of these distress signals received within the past few hours.

'We will first conduct search and rescue operations for these three emergency requests and then the remaining 22,' stated the deputy fire services director during a press conference. The uncertainty about the number of missing persons remains, with initial reports suggesting 279 people unaccounted for, though this figure hasn't been updated since yesterday.

Deadliest Fire in Decades

The tragedy at Wang Fuk Court represents Hong Kong's deadliest fire incident in over 70 years, surpassing previous major disasters. The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly engulfed seven residential towers in the complex that houses over 4,600 residents. Firefighters have been battling the blaze for days, with the fire now largely extinguished but small hotspots still flaring up in some apartments.

Medical authorities report that at least 76 people have been injured in the inferno, including 11 firefighters who were injured during rescue operations. Hospital officials confirm that 12 patients remain in critical condition while 28 are in serious condition as medical teams work around the clock to treat the injured.

Bamboo Scaffolding Under Scrutiny

Investigators have identified the bamboo construction scaffolding surrounding the buildings as a key factor in the fire's rapid spread. The scaffolding, installed for ongoing renovation work, acted as a conduit for flames to travel vertically through the towers. 'The bamboo scaffolding and safety netting created perfect conditions for rapid fire propagation,' explained a fire safety expert familiar with the investigation.

Police have arrested three employees from Prestige Construction, the company responsible for the renovation work, on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter. Authorities suspect that flammable materials, including polystyrene boards found blocking windows, may have contributed to the fire's intensity and rapid spread.

Government Response and Safety Reforms

The Hong Kong government has announced immediate safety measures in response to the tragedy. Chief Executive John Lee has ordered inspections of all buildings undergoing renovations with bamboo scaffolding and initiated discussions about transitioning to metal scaffolding alternatives. 'This tragedy demands that we re-examine our construction safety standards,' Lee stated during an emergency government meeting.

The government has established a HK$300 million relief fund for affected residents and announced HK$10,000 emergency payments to households impacted by the fire. Major Hong Kong corporations have collectively donated over HK$100 million to support victims, while the Hong Kong Jockey Club will donate all race meeting income to assist those affected.

Fire crews are now conducting door-to-door searches of all apartments to ensure no additional victims remain trapped. The complex remains cordoned off as structural engineers assess the buildings' safety before residents can potentially return to their homes. The disaster has prompted international condolences and comparisons to other major urban fires, including London's Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Sources: Channel News Asia, Hong Kong Free Press, Associated Press