Heartbroken HK Locals Stunned as Massive Inferno Destroys Residential Blocks
"Approaching the scene, the heat intensifies and you can sense it, with the haze being extremely thick."
Student a local student was among the numerous people drawn to the scene of a deadly inferno that swept through much of the eight-building Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po area.
At least 36 individuals have perished in the recent devastating inferno to date, with numerous still not located, indicating that this count will likely grow.
"This is a catastrophe," the witness commented about the fire, mentioning that he had observed a victim being taken away from the area.
Over a thousand further people were required to evacuate the complex as the fire advanced, with many making their way to temporary facilities that have been set up to shelter them.
The fire is slowly being contained, but authorities report they do not know when it will be fully extinguished.
Fire could be seen coming from separate homes as countless residents observed in quiet.
"I am heartbroken. There are so countless friends and community members. I do not know what is going on anymore. See, all the apartments are just on fire. I am unsure what to achieve. I pray the local administration can assist us to settle down after this."
A local woman explained that her acquaintances dwell inside the building and she was waiting to discover if they were able to evacuate.
Harry Cheung, who has resided in building number two of the residential estate for more than forty annums, described hearing "an extremely loud sound" and seeing fire ignite in a nearby building.
"I immediately went back to collect my belongings," the senior resident remarked.
"I cannot comprehend how I feel right now. I'm just pondering about where I'm going to stay this evening because I likely cannot go re-enter my residence."
While the origin of the inferno that overwhelmed the numerous multi-story buildings is still unidentified, the fire are suspected to have spread quickly through the bamboo scaffolding that surrounded the structures, which were experiencing renovations.
Several residents have demonstrated frustration that such a significant blaze could have happened and questioned the response.
"During there's a forest fire, they will utilize choppers and release fire retardant, but why is there not any action and how can they leave other structures burning?" asked a different inhabitant of Wang Fuk Court.
"This area is so proximate to the fire station and we thought the blaze could be extinguished soon, but currently the blaze has spread. I'm so discouraged," she added.
The resident stated that she had been given little guidance from the local administration on where to obtain help.
Several area residents had delivered supplies to the victims - including many of blankets and thermal aids.
Upon questioning about their feelings regarding the blaze, residents stated that "local administration is unprepared" and that they were "immensely heartbroken".
"We hope not to see any further fatalities," remarked a resident.
An older female who resides in a unit within the affected blocks mentioned she was not at home when the blaze broke out but that she is worried about her apartment because it is not insured.
"I'm profoundly troubled that I have no residence to go to currently," she remarked.
