The chilling words Hang in there were the last spoken by Mr. Chung to his wife before a massive fire engulfed their home on the 23rd floor of a high-rise public housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. When the fire broke out, he rushed home only to find his building ablaze, claiming at least 128 lives and leaving nearly 300 unaccounted for, including his wife.
The inferno erupted around 15:00 local time on Wednesday, overwhelming residents and firefighters with its rapid spread across seven tower blocks. Eyewitness accounts detail a lack of alarm systems that left many unaware of the immediate danger.
Survivors reported harrowing exchanges with loved ones; as smoke thickened, Mr. Chung's wife expressed fears of losing consciousness, ultimately resulting in an agonizing wait for updates that has stretched over 24 hours.
Among the missing are many elderly residents, highlighting the community's vulnerability; nearly 40% of Wang Fuk Court's residents are over 65. Some, like Ms. Fung, are holding out hope for their missing relatives while others voice their frustrations toward authorities for inadequate safety measures.
Initially, authorities suggested a focus on rescue operations, although confirmation of casualties continues. Investigations have begun into the renovation practices at Wang Fuk Court, with concerns surrounding the flammable materials used under a controversial renovation plan costing around HK$330 million.
Survivors, like Mr. Chung, are left grieving not just for the lost but for their homes, now reduced to ruins. With the government announcing modest assistance for displaced families, many worry about the fate of their homes and loved ones, searching for answers in a tragedy that has shaken the community to its core.
The inferno erupted around 15:00 local time on Wednesday, overwhelming residents and firefighters with its rapid spread across seven tower blocks. Eyewitness accounts detail a lack of alarm systems that left many unaware of the immediate danger.
Survivors reported harrowing exchanges with loved ones; as smoke thickened, Mr. Chung's wife expressed fears of losing consciousness, ultimately resulting in an agonizing wait for updates that has stretched over 24 hours.
Among the missing are many elderly residents, highlighting the community's vulnerability; nearly 40% of Wang Fuk Court's residents are over 65. Some, like Ms. Fung, are holding out hope for their missing relatives while others voice their frustrations toward authorities for inadequate safety measures.
Initially, authorities suggested a focus on rescue operations, although confirmation of casualties continues. Investigations have begun into the renovation practices at Wang Fuk Court, with concerns surrounding the flammable materials used under a controversial renovation plan costing around HK$330 million.
Survivors, like Mr. Chung, are left grieving not just for the lost but for their homes, now reduced to ruins. With the government announcing modest assistance for displaced families, many worry about the fate of their homes and loved ones, searching for answers in a tragedy that has shaken the community to its core.
