A large-scale, devastating fire that occurred in a residential complex in Hong Kong resulted in at least 94 deaths. More than 80 other people, including firefighters, sustained bodily injuries of varying degrees. Local media reported this on Friday morning, November 28th, citing emergency services.
Rapid Spread via Bamboo Scaffolding
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, November 26th, in the Tai Po district in the northern part of the city, spread very quickly along the bamboo construction scaffolding and jumped to a number of high-rise buildings. According to the fire service, the blaze engulfed at least five of the eight blocks of the Wang Fuk Court complex. Among the victims is one firefighter—he lost contact with his team while fighting the flames and was later found with burn marks on his body.
Highest Danger Level in 16 Years
Authorities assigned this fire the highest—Category 5 danger level. This highest category was last recorded in residential areas of Hong Kong in 2008. According to the deputy head of the fire service, the fire spread with unprecedented speed due to wind and flying debris. Although the official cause of the blaze is currently unknown, according to the South China Morning Post, local residents had previously complained about workers smoking during work hours nearby.
Investigation and Historical Context
It was also announced that three men were detained in connection with the fire, accused of causing death due to negligence. Hong Kong is a city with some of the world's most densely populated residential buildings. Deadly fires were once frequent, especially in poorer districts, but due to the significant strengthening of security measures in recent decades, major fires in residential quarters are now considered much rarer.
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