Survivors of the tragic incident in a Hong Kong apartment block are expressing anger over alleged failures of fire alarms during the blaze. According to former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho, residents claimed that the alarms did not sound even after they detected the smell of burning. They were only made aware of the fire when a security guard knocked on their doors, giving them minimal time to evacuate. One resident, 83-year-old Chan Kwong-tak, highlighted the lack of timely alerts, stating the potential danger for those who were asleep at the time.
The fire rapidly spread through bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building, which was installed as part of renovation work. Concerns about the construction quality and workers smoking had been previously raised to the management office by Mr. Chan, but he alleged that no actions were taken to address these issues.
Residents, including former chairman Kwong Pui-lun, criticized the emergency response, noting the absence of functioning fire alarms. Another resident, a 40-year-old woman surnamed Cheung, voiced suspicions that smoking by construction workers may have triggered the fire, despite notices being issued to fine the workers for smoking in prohibited areas.
The catastrophic event has resulted in at least 13 confirmed fatalities, with many more injured, including individuals in critical condition. Efforts to contain the blaze involve a large number of firefighters and police officers. Tragically, a firefighter lost his life during the operation, further underscoring the severity of the unfolding disaster.
The building’s occupants, totaling over 1,900 households, are facing a dire situation with some still trapped inside as the fire rages on. Authorities have established temporary shelters and medical facilities to assist the affected residents, while ongoing rescue operations continue amidst challenges posed by falling debris and intense heat within the building.
As the community reels from this devastating incident, questions are being raised about the safety measures in place and the authorities’ response to the crisis. The impact of the fire extends beyond the immediate casualties, with concerns for the well-being of the survivors and the broader implications of the tragedy for the densely populated area of Tai Po in Hong Kong.