A chilling discovery has emerged from the aftermath of the devastating fires: materials used on the buildings’ walls burned with an alarming speed, far exceeding safety standards. Security Secretary Chris Tang described the rapid flame spread as “unusual,” immediately raising questions about building safety and potential negligence.
The tragedy unfolded after a passerby noticed flames erupting from one of the buildings shortly before 3 p.m. Within two hours, authorities were overwhelmed with desperate reports of people trapped inside, signaling the scale of the unfolding disaster.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed profound sorrow, offering condolences to the families of those lost and injured. The grief extended to the highest levels, with Chinese President Xi Jinping also sending his condolences for the lives claimed by the fires.
The loss of firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who perished while battling the blaze, struck a particularly deep chord. Secretary Tang conveyed his “profound grief” and extended his deepest sympathies to the fallen hero’s family.
Firefighting efforts were severely hampered by intense heat, making it nearly impossible for crews to reach upper floors. Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan explained that falling debris and scorching temperatures created a perilous environment for first responders.
As darkness fell, the situation grew even more dire, with no clear timeline for containing the fires. The sheer scale of the blaze and the challenging conditions presented an immense obstacle to firefighters.
Frustration and anger boiled over among residents, with one woman expressing disbelief at the seemingly slow response. She described a scene of buildings engulfed in flames, with firefighters appearing to watch helplessly as the inferno raged.
Despite the challenges, a massive response was mobilized, with 888 firefighters, over 100 fire engines, and 400 police officers deployed to combat the fires and manage the rescue operation. However, assistance from mainland China was reportedly not forthcoming, despite initial appearances.
Approximately 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters established in community centers and a local school. A help desk was also set up at a nearby hospital to provide support to those affected.
The tragedy extends beyond human loss, with estimates suggesting over 100 pets remain trapped inside the burning buildings. The Hong Kong Pet Club reports a flood of concerned calls, highlighting the heartbreaking plight of animals caught in the disaster.
A full joint investigation, including a criminal probe, has been launched to determine the cause of the fires and to understand why the building materials contributed to such a rapid and devastating spread of flames. The search for answers, and for those still missing, continues.
