A courageous firefighter tragically lost his life in the Hong Kong apartment block calamity after becoming separated from his team, as disclosed recently.
Ho Wai-ho, aged 37, had faithfully served as a firefighter for nine years and was stationed at the Sha Tin Fire Station in the city. After responding to the intense fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district at 3:01 pm local time on Wednesday, he lost contact with his colleagues at 3:30 pm. Subsequently, he was discovered unconscious with facial burns in an open area around half an hour later. Despite immediate first aid and CPR by paramedics, he was later pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Chris Tang Ping-keung, the Secretary for Security, expressed deep sorrow over Mr. Ho’s tragic demise during the operation, extending heartfelt condolences to his family.
By midday UK time on Wednesday, reports indicated that at least 12 individuals, comprising eight women and three men, had lost their lives, with 16 others sustaining injuries. Concerns lingered over a possible rise in the death toll, with numerous reports of people trapped in the housing complex, which consists of eight separate blocks housing over 1,900 households. Authorities have not yet determined the exact number of individuals possibly still trapped inside. A resident named Kam, in her 60s from the adjacent Kwong Fuk Estate, mentioned that some of her friends, including a woman in her 70s, remained unaccounted for following the fire outbreak.
Furious residents have raised complaints that the fire alarms failed to activate when the fire erupted, despite their presence in the buildings. Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho relayed that residents indicated the alarms did not sound even after the scent of burning became noticeable. Allegedly, occupants were only alerted when a security guard knocked on their doors, providing minimal time for evacuation. Resident Chan Kwong-tak, aged 83, added that those who were asleep during the incident were severely impacted.
The fire rapidly propagated through bamboo scaffolding erected around the complex’s exterior as part of renovation work. Mr. Chan disclosed his longstanding concerns about the quality of the external wall project and workers’ smoking habits to the management office, which remained unaddressed.
As residents voiced their anger about the fire, a 40-year-old woman named Cheung mentioned witnessing construction workers smoking. Despite notices issued to fine the workers following complaints from residents, doubts lingered about the effectiveness of such measures, with speculations that smoking might have sparked the fire.
Speaking after evacuating her residence, Cheung pondered the unfolding situation, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the blaze’s impact on the community.
Explosions reverberated as the fire spread to nearby blocks, including Wang Tai House and Wang Sun House. Elderly individuals, some relying on walking aids, and wheelchairs, were being relocated to temporary shelters, including one at CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School. Evacuees were also transported to Kwong Fuk Community Hall and Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, which will operate overnight for those affected by the fire. Seven individuals were reportedly hospitalized at the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, including two in critical condition.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu activated an emergency incidents monitoring and support center to oversee rescue efforts and receive reports from relevant departments. He expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident.
Tai Po, the locality of the disaster, boasts a population of approximately 300,000 and lies in close proximity to the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. Wang Fuk Court, a government-subsidized home ownership scheme, has been in existence since 1983.
A spokesperson from the Fire Services Department advised nearby residents to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and maintain composure. Public members were urged to avoid the fire-affected area.
A hotline, 1878 999, has been established for the public to inquire about casualties resulting from the fire.