Survivors of the tragic incident at a residential building in Hong Kong are expressing frustration over the alleged failure of fire alarms to sound the alarm when a fire broke out. Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho revealed that residents noticed the absence of fire alarms even after detecting the smell of smoke. Instead of relying on the alarms, they were only alerted by a security guard knocking on their doors, leaving them with minimal time to evacuate.
The fire, which rapidly spread on bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building due to ongoing renovations, has raised concerns among residents. Chan Kwong-tak, an 83-year-old resident, had previously raised issues about the construction work and workers smoking on the premises but claimed that his complaints were disregarded.
Amid the chaos, resident Kwong Pui-lun, a former chairman of the owners’ corporation, recounted witnessing the building engulfed in flames. He emphasized the lack of a functioning fire alarm system and the need for immediate evacuation.
Residents have also pointed out the presence of smoking construction workers on the site, with some believing that smoking might have sparked the fire. Additionally, a woman surnamed Cheung criticized the emergency response, highlighting the delay in evacuation and the lack of effective measures to contain the fire.
The devastating incident has resulted in at least 13 fatalities, including a brave firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty. The rescue operations have been challenging, with several firefighters sustaining injuries and facing obstacles such as falling debris and high temperatures within the building.
The community has come together to support those affected by the tragedy, with temporary shelters and medical facilities being set up to assist evacuees. Authorities are actively involved in rescue efforts, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
The incident has cast a shadow over the residential district of Tai Po, underscoring the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated areas like Hong Kong. Efforts to contain the fire and ensure the safety of residents are ongoing, with officials urging the public to avoid the affected area and stay informed through the designated hotline.