Hundreds of pets are feared to be trapped in a Hong Kong apartment block disaster. The animals were stranded due to a fire that rapidly spread on bamboo scaffolding during renovations on Wednesday. Zoie Cheng Kam-shan, from the Hong Kong Pet Club, mentioned that their team had dispatched pet ambulances to rescue and transport the animals to nearby veterinary clinics.
According to Kam-shan, each block likely houses more than 10 pets of various species, with over 70 reports received and more expected, estimating the total affected animals to exceed 100. The incident raised concerns, as survivors noted the failure of fire alarms to alert residents promptly when the fire erupted. Residents reported that the alarms remained silent even as the smell of smoke became apparent.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of alarm activation, relying on security guards to warn them, leaving little time to evacuate. Some residents, like Chan Kwong-tak, have previously raised concerns about construction quality and worker behavior, including smoking near the building. This negligence, according to some residents, may have contributed to the fire outbreak.
The emergency response and evacuation process also faced criticism, with some residents questioning the effectiveness of the measures taken. Evacuees described the chaotic scene, with buildings ablaze and a slow response to extinguish the flames. Concerns were also raised about the deployment of firefighting resources, with calls for more aggressive tactics like water bombs to expedite the operation.
As of 1pm UK time on Wednesday, reports indicated at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries, with fears of a rising death toll. Emergency personnel, including over 750 firefighters and 400 police officers, continue to battle the blaze across the housing complex. Among the casualties was a heroic firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who tragically lost his life during the rescue operation.
The ongoing rescue efforts have faced challenges due to falling debris, high temperatures, and the fire’s rapid spread to adjacent blocks. Despite the difficulties, authorities remain committed to containing the blaze and ensuring the safety of residents. President Xi Jinping extended condolences for the lives lost and called for exhaustive efforts to control the fire’s impact.
Local officials, including Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, have activated emergency response centers to coordinate rescue operations and provide support to those affected by the disaster. The incident has deeply saddened the community, prompting a collective effort to handle the aftermath and aid the victims. The affected area remains under close supervision, with public cooperation urged to ensure safety.