Hang in there. Those were the last words Mr. Chung said to his wife after a massive fire broke out in their high-rise public housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. It was around 15:00 local time on Wednesday when he received her panicked call, explaining that she couldn't escape their apartment—with their cat trapped inside.
Mr. Chung rushed home from work, only to find the 31-storey building engulfed in flames. Firefighters battled the inferno for nearly 24 hours, which swept through seven tower blocks and tragically claimed at least 128 lives. Nearly 300 residents remain unaccounted for, including Mr. Chung's wife.
Many residents who spoke to the media emphasized that there were no alarms sounding to alert them of the fire. Some, like Mr. Chung, waited desperately outside, hoping for news as they questioned the firefighters for updates they could not provide.
“I dare not call her again,” Mr. Chung said tearfully, fearing the worst after hours without communication. Their conversations were filled with anguish as his wife's situation deteriorated due to suffocating smoke.
Residing in Wang Cheong House of Wang Fuk Court for a decade, both Mr. Chung and his wife regarded their home as a safe haven. Now, that safety has been shattered, and he is left mourning the possibility that his wife perished alongside their beloved cat.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but authorities suspect that hazardous renovations using flammable materials and poor construction methods may have contributed to the rapid spread of flames. This incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, highlighting severe safety concerns regarding recent construction projects.
While the city’s government announced financial assistance for displaced families, many—like Mr. Ho and his elderly parents—face uncertain futures with the potential loss of their homes weighing heavily on their minds.
“The worst-case scenario is that we have lost our flat,” Kyle Ho said. “But the most important thing is that all of us are safe. We are luckier than many other families.” Yet for those like Mr. Chung, the ache for their loved ones continues as hope lingers in the air amidst overwhelming sorrow.
As the search continues, many are left wondering about the necessary reforms to ensure safety and prevent such devastating tragedies from reoccurring in their communities.
