Heartbroken Hong Kong Residents in Disbelief as Massive Blaze Destroys Apartment Complexes
"Getting closer to the scene, the warmth increases and you can feel it, with the smoke being extremely heavy."
University student an eyewitness was among the many residents drawn to the scene of a deadly fire that swept through much of the multi-block Wang Fuk Court in the city's Tai Po district.
No fewer than over three dozen people have lost their lives in yesterday's catastrophic fire to date, with hundreds still unaccounted for, indicating that this count will likely grow.
"We're facing a catastrophe," the witness commented about the blaze, adding that he had witnessed a victim being removed from the location.
More than a 1,000 further individuals were compelled to evacuate the complex as the fire expanded, with some making their way to emergency shelters that have been established to shelter them.
The inferno is slowly being contained, but officials report they do not know when it will be completely extinguished.
Fire could be observed emanating from specific apartments as countless residents watched in stillness.
"I am overwhelmed. There are so many friends and acquaintances. I cannot comprehend what is occurring anymore. Look, all the apartments are just on fire. I cannot determine what to accomplish. I hope the local administration can assist us to find stability after this."
An female resident explained that her neighbors reside inside the complex and she was staying to learn if they succeeded to escape.
An elderly inhabitant, who has lived in building number two of the housing complex for over 40 years, recalled perceiving "a very loud noise" and observing fire erupt in a close block.
"I immediately went inside to gather my belongings," the 66-year-old occupant commented.
"I don't even know how I emotionally right now. I'm just considering about where I'm going to rest overnight because I probably cannot go back home."
Even though the cause of the inferno that engulfed the several multi-story buildings is still undetermined, the flames are thought to have spread quickly through the construction framework that surrounded the structures, which were in the process of refurbishments.
Some individuals have voiced outrage that such a massive incident could have taken place and challenged the response.
"In cases where there's a brush fire, they will utilize helicopters and dispense fire retardant, but why is there zero deployment and how can they allow additional complexes burning?" questioned one more occupant of the complex.
"The community is so close to the fire station and we thought the fire could be controlled rapidly, but now the fire has spread. I'm so discouraged," she continued.
She stated that she had been offered minimal direction from the authorities on where to find help.
Multiple local community members had brought essentials to the victims - including numerous of blankets and warming devices.
During interviews about their feelings regarding the blaze, inhabitants expressed that "the government is ineffective" and that they were "extremely heartbroken".
"We desire not to witness any further victims," said an individual.
An elderly female who dwells in one of the damaged blocks stated she was absent when the blaze ignited but that she is concerned about her home because it is without coverage.
"I'm profoundly troubled that I have no home to go to currently," she concluded.
