Furious survivors of the tragic incident in a Hong Kong apartment block are claiming that the fire alarms failed to sound when the fire initially started. Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho mentioned that residents noticed the absence of alarm sounds even after detecting the smell of burning. They were reportedly alerted to the fire only after a security guard knocked on their doors, leaving them with little time to evacuate. Resident Chan Kwong-tak, 83, expressed concern that those who were asleep at the time might not have had a chance to escape.
The fire, which rapidly spread on bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building due to renovation work, has raised questions about the safety measures in place. Mr. Chan had previously raised issues about the quality of the ongoing external wall project and workers smoking on the premises, but his concerns were allegedly ignored.
As the situation unfolded, resident Kwong Pui-lun, a former chairman of the owners’ corporation, shared his experience witnessing the fire and the lack of a functioning fire alarm. He emphasized the need for better safety practices to prevent such devastating incidents.
Another resident, a 40-year-old woman named Cheung, highlighted the presence of construction workers smoking on-site, despite complaints from residents and supposed fines issued. She speculated that smoking could have been a contributing factor to the fire.
The emergency response and evacuation process have also come under scrutiny, with some residents criticizing the lack of immediate action. Concerns were raised about the deployment of resources, with suggestions for using water bombs to contain the fire more effectively.
As of the latest update, the tragic incident has resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives, with several others injured, including some in critical condition. The ongoing rescue efforts involve hundreds of firefighters and police officers, with fears that more individuals could still be trapped inside the complex.
Among the casualties was a courageous firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who tragically lost his life while responding to the emergency. His sacrifice was mourned by officials, emphasizing the risks faced by first responders in such situations.
The affected residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with medical attention provided to those in need. The local authorities have set up support centers and hotlines to coordinate rescue operations and assist the affected individuals and families.
The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols and emergency response procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community is coming together to support those impacted by the devastating fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district.