Death toll rises sharply in Hong Kong’s largest fire in 17 years
Photo: the fire has claimed dozens of lives, with several people in critical condition (Getty Images)
A massive fire in Hong Kong, the largest in 17 years, has already claimed 36 lives. In addition, nearly 300 people are reported missing, states Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, according to the BBC.
During a press conference, he reported that the fire in the Tai Po district has killed 36 people, and at least 279 are considered missing.
Lee also said that 29 people are in the hospital, seven of them in critical condition.
The Hong Kong Chief Executive noted that the fire is gradually coming under control. He cited the Fire Services Department director, who assured that there are sufficient resources and personnel to combat the blaze.
John Lee added that more than 800 firefighters and 140 fire engines have been deployed to fight the fire. He also said that of all the buildings that had previously been on fire, three no longer show any signs of flames.
What happened before
Today, November 26, at around 3:00 PM, a fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district. The complex has 2,000 apartments, home to approximately 4,600 people.
Authorities assigned the fire the highest, fifth level of danger. It was caused by the ignition of bamboo scaffolding and nets that had surrounded the buildings during renovation.
The last fifth-level fire in Hong Kong occurred 17 years ago. In 2008, a fire at Cornwall Court in the Mong Kok business district killed four people.
On November 20, two days before the conclusion of the UN climate talks in Belém, a major fire broke out. Thirteen people received medical assistance after suffering from smoke inhalation.
