Hong Kong: A massive fire suddenly broke out in a multi-storey residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, wreaking havoc. At least 36 people lost their lives in this accident, while dozens are injured. There are 279 people missing. According to the fire department, nine people were found dead at the scene, while four others were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where they died.

How did the fire take such a huge form?
The speed at which the fire spread was due to bamboo scaffolding installed on the exterior of the building during ongoing renovation work. This structure of wood and bamboo carried the flames to the upper floors. In the video that emerged from the scene, it can be seen that thick flames of black smoke were coming out from the upper parts of the building and firefighters were trying to save people with the help of ladders and cranes. Many people were seen shouting from the windows and asking for help. Tai Po District Council member Lo Hiu-fung told local channel TVB, “Most of the elderly people live in this building. Many are unable to walk. The fire spread quickly to the top floors, so it became difficult to escape.

700 people were evacuated from the building
The fire started around 1 pm. To control it by evening, the fire department increased the warning level to level three. The fire was completely brought under control by 9 pm local time. After the accident, about 700 residents were safely evacuated and taken to temporary shelters built in nearby schools and community centres. Many families now have neither clothes nor medicines. Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started from a spark from welding during renovation work. It is common to erect bamboo scaffolding outside old buildings in Hong Kong, but ignoring safety standards often invites major accidents.

Hong Kong Chief Minister John Lee has expressed deep sorrow over the accident and assured all possible help to the families of the deceased. He has also ordered an immediate review of fire safety standards in buildings. It is believed to be Hong Kong’s worst residential fire in recent years.