Heartbroken HK Locals Shocked as Major Inferno Destroys Residential Buildings
"Getting closer to the location, the heat rises and you can feel it, with the haze being very dense."
University student an eyewitness was among the countless residents gathered at the site of a deadly inferno that engulfed much of the eight-block residential estate in the city's Tai Po area.
A minimum of 36 residents have perished in yesterday's destructive fire so far, with many still missing, suggesting that this figure will likely grow.
"We're facing a catastrophe," Thomas stated about the blaze, mentioning that he had witnessed a deceased person being removed from the area.
In excess of a 1,000 further people were compelled to vacate the estate as the flames advanced, with several heading to temporary facilities that have been established to shelter them.
The inferno is slowly being managed, but emergency responders state they do not know when it will be fully eliminated.
Fire could be seen emanating from individual homes as countless residents observed in stillness.
"I'm heartbroken. There are so many friends and community members. I do not know what is going on anymore. See, all the homes are just ablaze. I am unsure what to achieve. I pray the local administration can support us to find stability after this."
An woman mentioned that her neighbors live inside the building and she was staying to learn if they managed to get out.
An elderly inhabitant, who has resided in the second building of the Wang Fuk Court for over forty annums, described listening to "an extremely loud sound" and seeing fire ignite in a close building.
"I immediately went inside to gather my belongings," the elderly occupant commented.
"I cannot comprehend how I emotionally right now. I'm just considering about where I'm going to stay tonight because I almost certainly won't be able to go re-enter my residence."
While the source of the fire that overwhelmed the numerous high-rise blocks remains unidentified, the fire are thought to have rapidly expanded through the construction framework that covered the buildings, which were experiencing refurbishments.
Several people have expressed anger that such a massive fire could have happened and criticised the response.
"In cases where there's a wildfire, they will deploy helicopters and dispense water bombs, but why is there no such response and how can they allow additional buildings on fire?" asked a different occupant of the complex.
"The community is so near to the fire station and we believed the blaze could be extinguished rapidly, but presently the blaze has advanced. I'm so disappointed," she continued.
She mentioned that she had been provided no instructions from the local administration on where to obtain assistance.
Several local residents had provided supplies to the impacted residents - consisting of many of coverings and thermal aids.
During interviews about their emotions regarding the blaze, inhabitants stated that "local administration is ineffective" and that they were "immensely heartbroken".
"We don't want to witness any further fatalities," remarked a resident.
A senior lady who resides in an apartment in the damaged blocks explained she was not at home when the incident started but that she is anxious about her home because it is without coverage.
"I'm extremely upset that I have no residence to go to now," she remarked.
