Heartbroken HK Residents Stunned as Major Blaze Engulfs Residential Blocks
"Approaching the area, the heat rises and you can feel it, with the smoke being extremely heavy."
University student Thomas Liu was among the numerous individuals drawn to the site of a fatal fire that swept through large portions of the eight-building Wang Fuk Court in the city's Tai Po area.
A minimum of 36 residents have lost their lives in the recent devastating inferno so far, with numerous still unaccounted for, suggesting that this figure will likely grow.
"It's a disaster," Thomas commented about the blaze, mentioning that he had seen a body being transported from the area.
More than a one thousand further residents were compelled to leave the estate as the blaze advanced, with many heading to established shelters that have been established to accommodate them.
The inferno is gradually being managed, but emergency responders indicate they are uncertain when it will be completely extinguished.
Flames could be observed issuing from individual units as many onlookers watched in quiet.
"I feel devastated. There are so many friends and community members. I do not know what is occurring now. Look, all the homes are just ablaze. I do not know what to accomplish. I wish the authorities can assist us to rebuild after this."
An local woman explained that her neighbors reside inside the building and she was remaining to learn if they managed to evacuate.
Harry Cheung, who has dwelled in the second building of the Wang Fuk Court for in excess of four decades annums, described hearing "a tremendous explosion" and observing flames ignite in a adjacent block.
"I immediately went to my apartment to pack up my belongings," the elderly resident remarked.
"I don't even know how I feel at this moment. I'm just considering about where I'm going to stay this evening because I almost certainly will not go back home."
Although the cause of the blaze that overwhelmed the multiple tall blocks remains unidentified, the flames are thought to have quickly advanced through the construction framework that surrounded the buildings, which were in the process of renovations.
Numerous people have demonstrated outrage that such a significant fire could have taken place and questioned the emergency measures.
"In cases where there's a wildfire, they will deploy helicopters and drop fire retardant, but why is there zero response and how can they permit other structures on fire?" asked another inhabitant of the complex.
"The community is so close to the fire station and we believed the fire could be put out soon, but currently the fire has advanced. I'm so disheartened," she added.
She stated that she had been provided no instructions from the government on where to seek help.
Multiple area community members had provided necessities to the victims - including many of coverings and warming devices.
Upon questioning about their emotions regarding the blaze, residents stated that "authorities is unprepared" and that they were "profoundly distraught".
"We desire not to witness any more victims," said a resident.
An elderly lady who resides in one of the impacted blocks explained she was not at home when the fire ignited but that she is anxious about her residence because it is not insured.
"I'm very upset that I have no home to inhabit currently," she added.
