🚨 On Friday morning, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) announced that firefighting efforts at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing complex in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, have wrapped up.
Here's what you need to know:
- 🔥 Fire sparks: On Wednesday afternoon (Nov 26), scaffolding on one building of Wang Fuk Court – home to around 4,000 residents across 1,984 units – caught fire and spread to six neighboring buildings.
- 🚒 Operation stats: By 5:30 a.m. on Friday, all visible flames were out. Over 100 ambulances and dozens of fire crews joined the rescue, and final searches are expected to finish by 9 a.m.
- 🔍 Investigation: Three workers linked to the renovation were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The Independent Commission Against Corruption also launched a probe into possible graft in the renovation project.
- 🏘️ Safety crack-down: Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee has ordered a territory-wide inspection of scaffolding and construction materials on all renovation sites.
- 💸 Support for families: Each affected household will receive HK$10,000 (about US$1,286). Nine emergency shelters are open now, with plans for 1,800 transitional housing units using public and private resources.
- 💔 Casualties: Tragically, the death toll has reached 94.
This incident highlights the importance of strict safety standards in renovation projects. As Hong Kong residents come together to support those affected, authorities promise thorough investigations and tougher inspections to prevent future disasters.
Stay tuned for updates as the search concludes and more details emerge. 💡
Reference(s):
Fire-fighting operation completed in Hong Kong residential complex
cgtn.com
