Overwhelmed HK Locals Stunned as Massive Blaze Ravages Apartment Buildings
"Moving near the location, the heat rises and you can feel it, with the haze being particularly thick."
Student Thomas Liu was among the numerous residents gathered at the site of a deadly inferno that engulfed large portions of the multi-block residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po area.
At least 36 people have lost their lives in yesterday's catastrophic inferno currently, with numerous still unaccounted for, leading to expectations that this count will probably increase.
"It's a disaster," the witness stated about the incident, mentioning that he had witnessed a deceased person being transported from the location.
Over a 1,000 further residents were required to evacuate the complex as the flames advanced, with several heading to emergency facilities that have been organized to house them.
The inferno is slowly being contained, but officials state they do not know when it will be entirely extinguished.
Flames could be witnessed emanating from specific homes as numerous people watched in stillness.
"I feel devastated. We have so many neighbors and community members. I do not know what is going on anymore. Observe, all the apartments are just burning. I cannot determine what to do. I pray the authorities can support us to rebuild after this."
One woman stated that her neighbors live inside the structure and she was staying to discover if they succeeded to evacuate.
Harry Cheung, who has resided in building number two of the housing complex for more than 40 years, mentioned hearing "a very loud noise" and seeing flames ignite in a adjacent block.
"I promptly went to my apartment to collect my possessions," the elderly inhabitant stated.
"I cannot comprehend how I feel at this moment. I'm just pondering about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably will not go return to my home."
Although the source of the inferno that engulfed the multiple multi-story structures continues to be unknown, the flames are believed to have quickly advanced through the bamboo scaffolding that surrounded the structures, which were undergoing refurbishments.
Several residents have demonstrated anger that such a massive fire could have occurred and challenged the emergency measures.
"When there's a wildfire, they will utilize aircraft and release fire retardant, but why is there not any deployment and how can they leave additional structures ablaze?" inquired one more resident of Wang Fuk Court.
"The community is so close to the fire station and we thought the fire could be controlled soon, but presently the fire has spread. I'm so disheartened," she continued.
The resident stated that she had been provided minimal direction from the authorities on where to find support.
Multiple local inhabitants had delivered essentials to the affected individuals - including many of coverings and thermal aids.
Upon questioning about their emotions regarding the blaze, residents expressed that "authorities is incompetent" and that they were "immensely distraught".
"We desire not to see any further fatalities," said an individual.
An older female who resides in an apartment in the impacted buildings stated she was absent when the incident broke out but that she is concerned about her residence because it is without coverage.
"I'm profoundly troubled that I have no home to return to at present," she added.
