Heartbroken HK Residents in Disbelief as Major Fire Ravages Residential Blocks
"Approaching the location, the temperature intensifies and you can feel it, with the haze being extremely dense."
Young scholar a local student was among the numerous residents attracted to the site of a fatal fire that engulfed significant parts of the multi-block Wang Fuk Court in the region's Tai Po district.
No fewer than 36 people have died in yesterday's catastrophic fire to date, with many still unaccounted for, indicating that this number will possibly increase.
"This is a catastrophe," the witness remarked about the blaze, mentioning that he had witnessed a deceased person being transported from the location.
In excess of a thousand other individuals were compelled to evacuate the estate as the fire advanced, with some making their way to temporary facilities that have been organized to shelter them.
The inferno is slowly being contained, but emergency responders state they do not know when it will be fully eliminated.
Fire could be seen issuing from separate apartments as numerous people watched in silence.
"I am overwhelmed. There are so countless friends and friends. I cannot comprehend what is happening anymore. Observe, all the homes are just ablaze. I do not know what to accomplish. I wish the government can support us to settle down after this."
A local woman explained that her friends reside inside the building and she was staying to learn if they succeeded to evacuate.
An elderly inhabitant, who has resided in the second building of the residential estate for over 40 annums, mentioned hearing "a tremendous explosion" and observing fire erupt in a close structure.
"I promptly went back to gather my belongings," the elderly resident commented.
"I don't even know how I personally at this moment. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep this evening because I likely will not go return to my home."
While the origin of the inferno that overwhelmed the numerous high-rise blocks is still unidentified, the fire are thought to have quickly advanced through the temporary structures that surrounded the buildings, which were experiencing refurbishments.
Some individuals have demonstrated outrage that such a massive blaze could have happened and criticised the response.
"In cases where there's a forest fire, they will utilize aircraft and dispense fire retardant, but why is there not any action and how can they leave other buildings ablaze?" inquired one more occupant of the estate.
"The community is so close to the emergency response center and we assumed the blaze could be extinguished soon, but now the flames has advanced. I'm so discouraged," she added.
The woman mentioned that she had been provided no instructions from the government on where to find help.
Multiple Tai Po inhabitants had provided necessities to the affected individuals - consisting of many of coverings and thermal aids.
When asked about their sentiments regarding the fire, residents stated that "authorities is unprepared" and that they were "immensely devastated".
"We hope not to see any further victims," commented a resident.
A senior female who dwells in one of the damaged structures explained she was away when the fire started but that she is anxious about her apartment because it is without coverage.
"I'm profoundly upset that I have nowhere to return to now," she concluded.
