When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy, stated Thomas Liu, a student who witnessed the aftermath of a disastrous fire in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex located in Hong Kong's Tai Po district.
The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday, has already claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with hundreds more still unaccounted for. Local officials fear that the casualty numbers may continue to escalate as search and rescue efforts are underway.
Thomas, recounting the harrowing experience, expressed his horror at seeing bodies being removed from the rubble. It's a disaster, he lamented. Mui Siu-fung, a local councillor, added that many families were anxiously trying to locate missing relatives.
In light of the fire, which has triggered evacuations of over a thousand residents, volunteers from the community have stepped up, providing essentials to the victims. Officials continue to fight the flames, which were exacerbated by bamboo scaffolding used during renovations of the buildings.
Harry Cheung, a long-term resident of one of the affected blocks, also shared his traumatic experiences as he packed his belongings amid rising fears of losing his home. Many residents are expressing frustration at the governmental response to the fire and lack of immediate instructions on where to seek assistance.
As the community processes this tragedy, the safety of residents and the cause of the fire remain significant concerns, with hopes for timely support and resolution from authorities.
