The search for victims of a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong is nearing completion. The blaze, which erupted on March 31, 2024, claimed at least 146 lives, making it one of the deadliest fires in the city’s history. The tragedy struck seven high-rise towers within the complex, which houses over 4,000 residents, many of whom are elderly.
Specialists, including approximately 600 disaster victim identification professionals, have meticulously combed through the severely damaged buildings since the fire was extinguished. According to police superintendent Cheng Ka-chun, the search has revealed remains in various locations, including corridors, apartments, staircases, and even rooftops. The arduous process is complicated by hazardous conditions such as poor lighting and debris-laden pathways.
Images shared by the police depict search teams in protective clothing sifting through the charred remnants of homes. Cheng noted that the dim lighting and blocked corridors hinder efforts to navigate the devastated apartments, many of which lost electricity and are now engulfed in darkness.
As of Sunday evening, search teams had recovered remains from four out of the seven affected towers. Alongside these grim discoveries, some pets were also found alive, providing a small ray of hope amid the tragedy. The deceased include numerous elderly residents, foreign domestic workers, and a firefighter who responded to the emergency.
In a show of solidarity, hundreds of Hong Kong residents gathered at the site to pay their respects, leaving flowers and heartfelt messages. The queue of mourners stretched over a kilometer, reflecting the community’s grief. One note poignantly stated, “Truth will reveal itself. God bless Hong Kong.”
The community response has been overwhelming, with donations exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars pouring in from businesses and individuals. Volunteers have set up a resource center to distribute food and necessities to those affected.
While many have rallied to support the victims, authorities are vigilant about potential unrest. The national security office in Beijing cautioned against any resurgence of anti-government sentiments, referencing the pro-democracy protests that erupted in 2019. In response to the situation, national security police have arrested three individuals, including one accused of incitement related to an online petition for an independent inquiry into the fire, which garnered over 10,000 signatures before being removed.
Authorities have also requested that volunteers vacate the fire scene, stating that resource distribution will be centralized and requiring registration via WhatsApp for donations. A high-ranking police superintendent involved in national security was reported to have visited the fire scene, reinforcing the government’s commitment to managing the situation carefully.
As the identification process draws to a close, the impact of this tragedy will resonate throughout the community for years to come, highlighting both the resilience of the people of Hong Kong and the pressing need for ongoing support for those affected.
