Hundreds of pets are feared to be trapped in the aftermath of the Hong Kong apartment block disaster. The animals were stranded due to the rapid spread of a fire that started on bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building during ongoing renovations on Wednesday. Zoie Cheng Kam-shan, the business development director of the Hong Kong Pet Club, stated that the organization had dispatched two pet ambulances to rescue animals from the fire and transport them to nearby veterinary clinics.
According to Kam-shan, each block is believed to house more than 10 pets of various species, with over 70 reports received and more expected. Concerns were raised by survivors of the disaster regarding the failure of fire alarms to sound when the blaze erupted. Residents reported that alarms remained silent even as the smell of burning filled the air.
Former district councilor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho mentioned that residents were alerted only when a security guard knocked on their doors, leaving little time to evacuate. Additionally, resident Chan Kwong-tak expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the external wall project and workers’ smoking habits, which he had previously raised but went unaddressed.
Residents, including Wang Fuk Court’s former chairman Kwong Pui-lun, criticized the lack of timely fire alarms and the presence of smoking construction workers. Concerns were also raised about the emergency response, with a resident, surnamed Cheung, questioning the effectiveness of measures taken against smoking on-site and suggesting it might have contributed to the fire.
Miss Wong, a resident of Wang Tao Court, questioned the absence of water bombs deployment by Hong Kong authorities to expedite the firefighting efforts, which continued for several hours. As of 1 pm UK time on Wednesday, reports indicated at least 13 fatalities, including eight women and three men, with 15 individuals injured, six of whom were in serious condition. The death toll is expected to rise as multiple people are believed to be trapped within the complex.
Efforts to combat the blaze involved 767 firefighters and 400 police officers, with ongoing struggles due to falling debris and high temperatures inside the building hindering rescue operations. The tragedy claimed the life of firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the operation. Despite attempts to save him, he passed away after being found unconscious at the scene.
President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the victims and urged comprehensive measures to contain the fire and minimize further casualties. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu activated an emergency support center to coordinate rescue operations. The disaster unfolded in Tai Po, a residential area near Shenzhen, with authorities urging nearby residents to remain indoors and avoid the affected area.
A hotline (1878 999) has been established for inquiries about casualties resulting from the fire. The incident occurred at Wang Fuk Court, a subsidized housing complex occupied since 1983 under the government’s home ownership scheme.