Hong Kong's Deadly Blaze: What Went Wrong?

Hong Kong is wrapping up its search and rescue efforts after a devastating fire ripped through a large apartment building. This tragic event has left at least 94 people dead and many more missing. The fire, which started on Friday, destroyed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, a district in the northern part of the city. The complex, home to over 4, 600 people, was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze by dawn, but the damage was already done. The complex, covered in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, became a death trap. Authorities believe that unsafe materials, like flammable foam boards blocking windows, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Three officials from the construction company responsible for the renovations have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Rescue teams faced extreme conditions as they searched for survivors. They battled intense heat, thick smoke, and collapsing debris. Despite their efforts, the number of missing people remains unclear. The last update was over 24 hours ago, and 25 calls for help to the Fire Department are still unresolved. The death toll has risen to 94, making it Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948. The victims were mostly found in two towers of the complex. Survivors were found in several buildings, but details are scarce. The fire has sparked comparisons to the Grenfell Tower inferno in London, which killed 72 people in 2017. That tragedy was blamed on flammable cladding and government failings. In response to the disaster, Hong Kong's leader has set up a fund to help residents. Some of China's biggest companies have also announced donations. However, the tragedy has raised questions about safety standards in Hong Kong's high-rise housing complexes. The city, known for its sky-high property prices, is densely populated. This tragedy could fuel resentment towards the authorities. The leadership of both the Hong Kong government and China's Communist Party have moved quickly to show their concern. They see this tragedy as a test of their control over the semi-autonomous region. As the search and rescue efforts come to an end, the city is left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating fire.