Survivors of a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district have reported that fire alarms did not activate when the blaze broke out. Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho said residents only became aware of the fire after a security guard knocked on their doors, leaving them with little time to evacuate. Resident Chan Kwong-tak, 83, said: 'If someone was sleeping then, they were done.'
The fire, which started on Wednesday, spread rapidly on bamboo scaffolding erected for ongoing renovations. Residents have expressed anger, claiming that construction workers were often seen smoking and discarding cigarette butts, potentially causing the fire. A 40-year-old resident, surnamed Cheung, criticised the emergency response, saying: 'It’s already like a chain of boats on fire, with no one putting out the flames – they’re just watching the buildings burn.'
At least 13 people, including eight women and three men, have died, and 15 others have been injured, six seriously. Among the dead is firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who lost contact with colleagues and was found unconscious with burns to his face. He was later declared dead at hospital. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung expressed profound grief, offering condolences to Ho's family.
Officials have deployed 767 firefighters and 400 police officers to battle the blaze, which continues to burn. The complex, comprising eight blocks and housing over 1,900 households, remains partially accessible, with an unknown number of people still trapped. Residents have questioned why water bombs have not been used to speed up the operation.
