The death toll from the Hong Kong fire has risen to 159, with 30 still missing
In a human tragedy that has shaken the international community, the death toll from the devastating fire that engulfed a densely populated apartment complex in Hong Kong last Wednesday has risen to 159, while some 30 people remain missing. These alarming figures come after rescue teams and police completed extensive and complex search operations for bodies and survivors inside the seven apartment towers that were engulfed in flames.
Details of the disaster and initial investigations
Hong Kong authorities have revealed shocking details about the cause of the fire, arresting six people on suspicion of gross negligence. Initial investigations indicate that the suspects disabled vital fire alarms while carrying out maintenance work at the complex, delaying the response of residents and firefighters and exacerbating the disaster. Firefighters battled for nearly 40 hours to bring the blaze under control and extinguish it completely.
Historical context and housing crisis
The ill-fated apartment complex dates back to 1983, built as part of a government-subsidized housing program. It comprises approximately 2,000 apartments housing over 4,600 people, reflecting Hong Kong's notoriously high population density. As one of the world's most densely populated areas, with millions living in towering skyscrapers, fire safety and prevention measures are a matter of life and death.
This incident brings to mind a history of fires in the city's old buildings, reopening the debate about the need to update the infrastructure and safety systems in buildings constructed in the 1980s and earlier, to keep pace with modern standards and avoid a recurrence of such tragedies.
Urgent government action and an independent investigation committee
In an official response to the disaster, the Hong Kong government announced the formation of an independent inquiry commission, headed by a judge, aimed at determining the precise causes of the fire, holding those responsible accountable, and issuing binding recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This inquiry is seen as a crucial step to quell public anger and ensure the safety of residents in similar housing complexes.
Victim support and relief fund
On the humanitarian front, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced a HK$300 million emergency relief fund to assist those affected and the families of the victims. The government also opened the door to additional donations from major corporations and charities, in an effort to alleviate the suffering of families who lost their homes and loved ones in this tragic event, which has been ranked as one of the worst disasters in the city's modern history.
