Overwhelmed HK Inhabitants Stunned as Major Fire Destroys Housing Buildings
"Approaching the location, the heat rises and you can sense it, with the haze being particularly thick."
Young scholar an eyewitness was among the many individuals attracted to the location of a fatal inferno that swept through much of the multi-block housing complex in the region's Tai Po area.
No fewer than over three dozen individuals have perished in yesterday's catastrophic inferno so far, with many still missing, suggesting that this number will likely grow.
"We're facing a disaster," the witness commented about the blaze, adding that he had witnessed a deceased person being removed from the location.
More than a thousand additional people were required to evacuate the complex as the fire spread, with some heading to temporary centers that have been set up to house them.
The fire is gradually being controlled, but emergency responders report they do not know when it will be entirely extinguished.
Blazes could be seen emanating from specific apartments as many onlookers watched in stillness.
"I am devastated. There are so many neighbors and community members. I have no idea what is occurring anymore. See, all the homes are just on fire. I am unsure what to achieve. I wish the government can help us to settle down after this."
One local woman explained that her friends reside inside the complex and she was waiting to discover if they were able to get out.
Harry Cheung, who has dwelled in block two of the Wang Fuk Court for more than forty annums, mentioned hearing "a tremendous explosion" and seeing flames erupt in a adjacent block.
"I quickly went to my apartment to gather my things," the 66-year-old resident stated.
"I don't even know how I emotionally at this moment. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep overnight because I probably will not go re-enter my residence."
Even though the source of the blaze that consumed the several tall blocks remains unknown, the fire are believed to have spread quickly through the temporary structures that covered the buildings, which were in the process of improvements.
Numerous residents have demonstrated frustration that such a significant incident could have occurred and challenged the emergency measures.
"When there's a wildfire, they will employ helicopters and dispense water bombs, but why is there zero action and how can they permit additional structures burning?" questioned another occupant of the complex.
"The community is so close to the fire department and we believed the fire could be extinguished soon, but currently the fire has expanded. I'm so disappointed," she explained.
The woman mentioned that she had been provided no instructions from the local administration on where to find help.
Multiple area residents had provided necessities to the affected individuals - consisting of many of coverings and thermal aids.
Upon questioning about their emotions regarding the blaze, locals voiced that "authorities is unprepared" and that they were "immensely distraught".
"We don't want to see any additional fatalities," remarked a resident.
An older woman who dwells in an apartment in the impacted blocks explained she was absent when the blaze broke out but that she is worried about her residence because it is not insured.
"I'm very upset that I have nowhere to go to now," she concluded.
