Overwhelmed HK Locals in Disbelief as Massive Blaze Ravages Apartment Complexes
"Moving near the location, the temperature intensifies and you can feel it, with the fumes being very heavy."
University student an eyewitness was among the numerous people drawn to the scene of a fatal inferno that ravaged large portions of the eight-building residential estate in the region's Tai Po district.
A minimum of 36 individuals have died in Wednesday's devastating fire so far, with hundreds still unaccounted for, leading to expectations that this figure will probably increase.
"This is a disaster," the student commented about the incident, noting that he had seen a deceased person being taken away from the area.
In excess of a one thousand further people were forced to evacuate the estate as the flames spread, with many going to emergency centers that have been established to shelter them.
The inferno is progressively being contained, but officials report they are uncertain when it will be fully put out.
Fire could be witnessed coming from specific homes as numerous onlookers looked on in stillness.
"I am devastated. There are so countless neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore. Observe, all the apartments are just on fire. I am unsure what to accomplish. I wish the government can assist us to find stability after this."
One female resident mentioned that her friends reside inside the complex and she was remaining to learn if they managed to escape.
A long-term resident, who has resided in block two of the Wang Fuk Court for in excess of 40 annums, described listening to "a tremendous explosion" and observing blaze ignite in a nearby building.
"I quickly went to my apartment to pack up my things," the 66-year-old resident stated.
"I am uncertain how I personally at this moment. I'm just pondering about where I'm going to rest overnight because I probably won't be able to go re-enter my residence."
Even though the cause of the blaze that consumed the multiple multi-story blocks remains undetermined, the flames are suspected to have quickly advanced through the bamboo scaffolding that enveloped the complexes, which were in the process of renovations.
Numerous people have expressed frustration that such a large-scale blaze could have happened and criticised the emergency measures.
"In cases where there's a wildfire, they will utilize aircraft and release fire retardant, but why is there no such action and how can they permit additional complexes burning?" inquired a different resident of the complex.
"Our neighborhood is so close to the fire department and we believed the blaze could be controlled quickly, but now the blaze has advanced. I'm so disappointed," she continued.
The resident noted that she had been provided little guidance from the authorities on where to obtain help.
Several area community members had delivered supplies to the affected individuals - consisting of numerous of warm layers and warming devices.
Upon questioning about their feelings regarding the blaze, residents voiced that "the government is unprepared" and that they were "immensely heartbroken".
"We hope not to witness any further casualties," remarked a resident.
A senior female who lives in a unit within the affected blocks stated she was not at home when the fire broke out but that she is anxious about her home because it is not insured.
"I'm extremely upset that I have nowhere to return to currently," she added.
