A Visual Guide to How the Hong Kong Fire Spread
12 days ago
- #building safety
- #Hong Kong fire
- #tragedy
- A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district engulfed several apartment buildings, resulting in at least 128 deaths and numerous injuries.
- The fire broke out in the Wang Fuk Court complex, a housing estate with nearly 2,000 apartments, many of which were undergoing renovations with bamboo scaffolding and protective netting.
- The fire spread rapidly, reaching level five severity, with temperatures peaking at 500C (932F), making rescue operations difficult for firefighters.
- Investigations suggest the fire started on the netting outside lower floors, fueled by non-fireproof materials like plastic sheets and Styrofoam used in renovations.
- Three individuals overseeing the renovations have been arrested for manslaughter, and eight others for corruption related to the works.
- The Hong Kong government has set up temporary shelters and financial assistance schemes for displaced residents.