Devastated Hong Kong Locals Shocked as Major Fire Destroys Apartment Blocks
"Moving near the location, the heat increases and you can feel it, with the fumes being particularly heavy."
University student an eyewitness was among the countless people gathered at the location of a deadly inferno that swept through significant parts of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court in the city's northern district.
At least 36 people have lost their lives in the recent destructive fire so far, with hundreds still missing, leading to expectations that this count will likely increase.
"This is a catastrophe," the student commented about the fire, noting that he had witnessed a body being taken away from the scene.
Over a one thousand additional residents were forced to leave the complex as the blaze spread, with some heading to established shelters that have been established to shelter them.
The inferno is slowly being controlled, but officials indicate they are uncertain when it will be fully extinguished.
Fire could be observed coming from specific homes as many people watched in stillness.
"I'm overwhelmed. The building contains so numerous neighbours and friends. I have no idea what is going on any longer. Look, all the units are just burning. I am unsure what to accomplish. I wish the authorities can support us to find stability after this."
An female resident stated that her friends dwell inside the complex and she was remaining to hear if they succeeded to escape.
Harry Cheung, who has resided in the second building of the residential estate for over forty annums, recalled listening to "an extremely loud sound" and seeing fire break out in a close building.
"I immediately went to my apartment to collect my things," the elderly occupant commented.
"I don't even know how I emotionally currently. I'm just considering about where I'm going to rest tonight because I probably will not go back home."
Although the cause of the fire that engulfed the numerous multi-story structures is still unknown, the fire are thought to have rapidly expanded through the bamboo scaffolding that enveloped the buildings, which were experiencing refurbishments.
Numerous people have expressed frustration that such a large-scale fire could have taken place and challenged the emergency measures.
"In cases where there's a brush fire, they will employ aircraft and dispense extinguishing materials, but why is there no such action and how can they leave further complexes burning?" inquired another inhabitant of the estate.
"This area is so near to the fire station and we believed the blaze could be controlled quickly, but presently the blaze has advanced. I'm so disheartened," she continued.
The resident noted that she had been given no instructions from the government on where to seek help.
Multiple Tai Po community members had provided essentials to the victims - consisting of numerous of coverings and thermal aids.
When asked about their emotions regarding the blaze, residents stated that "local administration is ineffective" and that they were "immensely distraught".
"We desire not to experience any more victims," said one.
A senior lady who resides in an apartment in the impacted buildings stated she was absent when the incident ignited but that she is concerned about her residence because it is not insured.
"I'm very upset that I have no home to inhabit now," she remarked.
