Particle.news
Download on the App Store
33 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Kills 36, 279 Missing as Rescue Continues

Authorities launched an inquiry centered on bamboo scaffolding safety used during renovations.

Image
Image
China, Hongkong: Ein Mann nimmt mit seinem Handy Rauch und Flammen auf, als ein Großbrand mehrere Wohngebäude im Wang Fuk Court in Hongkong erfasst.
Die Zahl der Todesopfer durch den verheerenden Großbrand in einer Wohnanlage in Hongkong ist auf mindestens 36 gestiegen, 279 Menschen werden zudem noch vermisst. Die offizielle Brandursache ist noch unklar.

Overview

  • The blaze began Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, which comprises eight 32‑storey towers with nearly 2,000 apartments.
  • Officials escalated the incident to the highest Level 5 alarm as hundreds of firefighters and police carried out search-and-rescue operations.
  • Flames raced along external bamboo scaffolding and spread to multiple towers, with reports indicating up to seven blocks were involved.
  • Chief Executive John Lee said 29 people are hospitalized, including seven in critical condition, and a 37-year-old firefighter died after being found unconscious at the scene.
  • The government opened a probe into the cause and the safety of scaffolding and protective netting, and city shelters have taken in hundreds of displaced residents.